Cohort study, 2015
What factors predict anxiety and depression during pregnancy and after birth?
Women are at high risk for anxiety and depression around pregnancy and birth, especially those with prior mental health problems or poor social support, though symptoms vary widely between women.
What they did
Prospective cohort called MARI (Maternal Anxiety in Relation to Infant Development). 306 pregnant women recruited from gynecology clinics in Germany completed up to 7 assessments from early pregnancy through 16 months after birth. Each assessment included clinical diagnostic interview, medical record review, and questionnaires about mental health history and social support.
What they found
Some women had persistent anxiety or depression; others had major changes with shifting symptoms. Many new cases appeared during pregnancy or after birth. Strongest predictors were anxiety or depression before pregnancy. Also linked: lower education, low self-esteem, low partnership satisfaction, and low social support. Symptom course varied greatly between women.
What it means for you
Pregnancy and first year after birth are sensitive times for anxiety and depression to emerge or persist. Women with prior mental health issues or limited social support are at higher risk. Individual screening during this period may help prevent these conditions. Main limit is that women knowing the study focus might have reported symptoms more readily.
306
Number of mothers
7
Assessment time points per woman
16 months
Length of postpartum follow-up
About the study
- Original title
- Risk factors and course patterns of anxiety and depressive disorders during pregnancy and after delivery: a prospective-longitudinal study
- Authors
- Martini J, Petzoldt J, Einsle F et al.
- Journal
- Journal of affective disorders
- Year
- 2015
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 306
- What was tested
- None; observational study with clinical assessment
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.01.012
Topics
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