Cohort study, 2005
Is PMDD a strong risk factor for postpartum depression?
Yes, women with PMDD have a 9.3-fold higher risk of major postpartum depression than women without PMDD.
What they did
A prospective study of 1800 postpartum women. They were assessed for risk factors 2-4 days after giving birth, then called back at 6-8 weeks to ask about mood changes.
What they found
PMDD was the strongest risk factor found. Compared to women at low risk, women at high risk had a 9.3-fold increase in major depression, 1.5-fold increase in minor depression, 1.6-fold increase in postpartum blues, and 2.6-fold increase in adjustment disorder.
What it means for you
Women with PMDD may be at much higher risk for mood problems after pregnancy and may need extra support or monitoring. However, the study asked women to remember past PMDD symptoms rather than measuring them directly, which could be less accurate.
1800
postpartum women
9.3
fold increase in major depression risk with PMDD
6-8 weeks
time of follow-up assessment after delivery
About the study
- Original title
- Risk factors associated with the development of postpartum mood disorders
- Authors
- Bloch M, Rotenberg N, Koren D et al.
- Journal
- Journal of affective disorders
- Year
- 2005
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 1,800
- What was tested
- None (observational study)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2005.04.007
Topics
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