[Salivary cortisol level and peri-abortion depression]
Xiaohong Zhang1, Jiangming Sheng2, Chi Huang3
1Department of Emergency, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
Summary
Women undergoing pregnancy termination for fetal anomalies showed lower cortisol awakening response, indicating a link between this stress hormone and peri-abortion depression. This response may predict post-abortion depression.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly is a significant stressor.
- Perinatal depression is a concern for women undergoing pregnancy termination.
- Salivary cortisol, a stress hormone, may be implicated in the psychological response to pregnancy termination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate salivary cortisol levels in women undergoing pregnancy termination due to fetal anomalies.
- To analyze the correlation between salivary cortisol and depression symptoms experienced around the time of abortion.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study design.
- Comparison of salivary cortisol levels between women with and without depression.
- Logistic regression analysis to assess the correlation between salivary cortisol and peri-abortion depression.
Main Results:
- Women experiencing depression had a lower salivary cortisol awakening response (CAR).
- A negative correlation was observed between CAR and pre-abortion depression (OR=0.063).
- CAR was also negatively correlated with post-abortion depression (OR=0.002).
Conclusions:
- Cortisol awakening response is negatively correlated with peri-abortion depression.
- Salivary cortisol awakening response serves as a predictive factor for post-abortion depression.
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