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Modifiable factors associated with changes in postpartum depressive symptoms.
Elizabeth A Howell1, Pablo A Mora, Marco D DiBonaventura
1Department of Health Policy and Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA. elizabeth.howell@msnyuhealth.org
Archives of Women'S Mental Health
|February 25, 2009
Summary
Postpartum depressive symptoms are common, but identifying triggers like physical issues and lack of support is key. Interventions focusing on social support and self-efficacy may help prevent postpartum depression.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Psychiatry
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Postpartum depressive symptoms affect up to 50% of mothers.
- Current prediction and prevention methods by providers are insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify modifiable factors, including situational triggers and buffers, associated with postpartum depressive symptoms.
- Categorize mothers based on symptom trajectories.
Main Methods:
- Observational prospective cohort telephone study.
- 563 mothers interviewed at 2 weeks and 6 months postpartum.
- Data collected on demographics, symptoms, function, infant behaviors, social support, and coping skills.
Main Results:
- Four groups identified: never (52%), always (14%), late onset (10%), and remission (24%).
- Women with persistent or late-onset symptoms had more risk factors, situational triggers (e.g., physical symptoms, infant colic), and fewer buffers (social support, self-efficacy).
- Changes in triggers and buffers correlated with group membership.
Conclusions:
- Physical symptoms, infant colic, low social support, and low self-efficacy are linked to postpartum depressive symptoms.
- Further research should explore interventions like childbirth education, social support, and self-efficacy skills training to reduce postpartum depression incidence.
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