Posttraumatic stress disorder after childbirth: a cross sectional study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Psychiatry
• Perinatal Mental Health

Background:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after childbirth.
• Understanding risk factors for childbirth-related PTSD is crucial for maternal mental health.
• Cognitive appraisal of childbirth experiences significantly impacts maternal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) profiles following childbirth.
• To investigate the relationship between women's cognitive appraisal of childbirth and PTSD development.
• To identify factors associated with a PTSD profile after delivery.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 1640 women who gave birth in Linköping, Sweden.
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) profile assessed using the Traumatic Event Scale (TES) based on DSM-IV criteria.
• Cognitive appraisal of childbirth measured with the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ).

Main Results:

• 1.7% (28 out of 1640) of women met criteria for a PTSD profile related to their recent delivery.
• A PTSD profile was associated with a history of psychiatric/psychological counseling.
• Negative cognitive appraisal of the delivery, nulliparity, and negative ratings of staff contact were linked to PTSD.

Conclusions:

• Childbirth-related PTSD affects a small but significant percentage of women.
• Negative childbirth appraisal and specific demographic/experiential factors are associated with increased PTSD risk.
• Early identification and intervention for women at risk of childbirth-related PTSD are warranted.