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Citation |
Leeds L, Hargreaves I. J. Reprod. Infant Psychol. 2008; 26(2): 108. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
It is becoming increasingly recognised that some women develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth. This study aimed to determine whether women experienced symptoms of PTSD and depression at 6-12 months post-partum; and what factors predict the development of psychopathology. This was a retrospective postal study of women who have given birth in the previous 6-12 months. A total of 102 women who delivered in hospital completed measures of PTSD, depression, perceptions of labour and delivery and provided clinical and demographic information at 6-12 months post-partum (mean = 9.5 months). A total of 3.9% showed questionnaire responses suggesting clinically significant levels of PTSD. A further 19.6% women reported sub-clinical symptoms. Regression analysis showed that higher depression scores, fear for the baby and unexpectedness of procedures during labour predicted higher scores on the PTSD measure. A total of 21.5% of women were depressed. A history of mental health problems and the presence of PTSD symptomatology predicted higher depression scores. This study demonstrates that a significant number of women continue to experience some level of PTSD and depression at 9.5 months post-partum. It is important to be aware that births involving unexpected obstetric procedures may precipitate PTSD symptoms in some women. |