Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
06:39
Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Spousal military deployment as a risk factor for postpartum depression
Daniel T Robrecht1, Jeffrey Millegan, Lynn L Leventis
1Department of Psychiatry, Maricopa Integrated Health System, Phoenix, Arizona, USA. daniel.robrecht@hcs.maricopa.gov
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|December 23, 2008
Summary
Military spouse deployment during pregnancy is linked to higher postpartum depression scores. Early screening for these women is recommended to identify and support those at risk.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Mental Health
- Military Medicine
Background:
- Postnatal depression affects many women.
- Military families face unique stressors, including spouse deployment.
- Understanding deployment's impact on maternal mental health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores in women based on spouse deployment status during or after pregnancy.
- To identify if spouse deployment is a risk factor for postpartum depression.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review of 415 women at 6-week postpartum visits.
- Analysis of EPDS scores using Student's t test and odds ratios.
- Linear regression to determine predictors of EPDS scores.
Main Results:
- Women whose partners deployed during pregnancy had significantly higher average EPDS scores (7.36 vs. 4.81, p < 0.001).
- Positive depression screens were more frequent in women with deployed partners (25.27% vs. 10.94%, OR 2.75, p < 0.001).
- Partner deployment during pregnancy independently predicted higher EPDS scores (p < 0.005).
Conclusions:
- Spouse deployment during pregnancy is a potential risk factor for maternal depression.
- Enhanced screening for postpartum depression is recommended for women with deployed partners.
- This highlights a vulnerable population requiring targeted mental health support.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
01:30Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
01:28Hazan and Shaver's Attachment Styles
Attachment theory, developed initially to explain infant–caregiver bonds, has been extended to illuminate patterns of intimacy in adult romantic relationships. Psychologists Cindy Hazan and Phillip Shaver proposed that the attachment styles observed in infancy form a framework for how individuals approach emotional closeness and conflict in adulthood. These attachment styles—secure, avoidant, and anxious—are linked to enduring patterns of behavior and emotional regulation in adult relationships.