Screening for antenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms in general practice using a microcomputer-delivered...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Psychiatry
• Perinatal Mental Health

Background:

• Depressive symptoms are common during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
• Early identification of antenatal depression can inform postnatal outcomes.
• Understanding the trajectory of mood disorders is crucial for maternal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To screen for and analyze the prevalence and patterns of depressive symptoms during the antenatal and postnatal periods.
• To investigate associations between antenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms.
• To explore the role of parity and past depression history in postnatal mood disorders.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 108 women was screened for depressive symptoms during pregnancy.
• The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, adapted for self-rating via microcomputer, was used for screening.
• 92 women completed at least two postnatal screenings over one year.

Main Results:

• Depressive symptom scores and prevalence increased throughout pregnancy, peaking in the third trimester.
• A sharp decline in symptoms occurred after delivery, followed by a rise to a six-month postnatal peak.
• Significant associations were found between antenatal and postnatal depression, especially in multiparous women and those with a history of treated depression.

Conclusions:

• Microcomputer-administered self-rating scales are feasible for general practice screening.
• Antenatal depressive symptoms are predictive of postnatal depression, particularly in women with a history of treated depression.
• Maternal mental health monitoring throughout pregnancy and the first year postpartum is essential.