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Updated: May 22, 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
Determinants of ante-partum depression: a multicenter study
Matteo Balestrieri1, Balestrieri Matteo, Miriam Isola
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medical Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy. matteo.balestrieri@uniud.it
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|April 25, 2012
Summary
Ante-partum depression (APD) affects nearly 5% of pregnant women, with higher rates in non-native individuals. Anxious depression symptoms were most common, while suicidal ideation was least reported in this study.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Ante-partum depression (APD) is under-researched compared to postpartum depression.
- This study investigates APD prevalence and characteristics in Italian pregnant women.
- APD is defined as a depressive episode during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of ante-partum depression (APD) in pregnant women.
- To identify factors associated with APD.
- To analyze symptom patterns of APD.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1,608 women in Italian Obstetrics and Gynecology departments.
- The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used for depression screening.
- Data were analyzed using univariate and linear regression.
Main Results:
- 4.7% of women screened positive for probable APD.
- Higher EPDS scores were associated with foreign nationality, cohabitation status, being a housewife, prior depression, and herbal drug use.
- Anxious depression symptoms were most frequent, while suicidal ideation was least common.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the prevalence of APD and associated risk factors.
- Understanding these factors can aid in early identification and intervention for APD.
- Targeted screening and support are crucial for pregnant women at risk.
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