Different patterns of depressive symptoms during pregnancy
Sophie E M Truijens1, Viola Spek2, Maarten J M van Son3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Máxima Medical Centre Veldhoven, and Eindhoven University of Technology, Veldhoven/Eindhoven, The Netherlands. s.truijens@mmc.nl.
Archives of Women'S Mental Health
|June 9, 2017
Summary
Screening pregnant women for depression is recommended. This study found persistent depressive symptoms are linked to unplanned pregnancy and multiparity, identifying 83% with a targeted assessment.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Psychiatry
- Obstetrics
Background:
- The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening pregnant and postpartum women for depression.
- The clinical significance of a single elevated depression score during pregnancy requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess depressive symptoms across pregnancy trimesters.
- To identify characteristics associated with different patterns of depressive symptoms.
- To develop an early screening strategy for persistent depressive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1813 pregnant women was assessed for depressive symptoms at each trimester.
- Statistical analysis was used to evaluate patterns of symptoms and associated characteristics.
- An early detection screening (EDS) tool was developed and validated.
Main Results:
- Elevated depression scores were prevalent in 10-15% of pregnant women per trimester.
- Approximately 4% of women reported persistent depressive symptoms throughout pregnancy.
- Persistent symptoms were associated with unplanned pregnancy and multiparity, while incidental symptoms related to life events.
Conclusions:
- Different patterns of depressive symptoms exist during pregnancy.
- Persistent depressive symptoms require tailored screening and intervention strategies.
- An early detection screening tool including history of mental health problems, unplanned pregnancy, and multiparity can identify 83% of women with persistent symptoms.
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