Citation

Reck C, Struben K, Backenstrass M, Stefenelli U, Reinig K, Fuchs T, Sohn C, Mundt C. Acta Psychiatr. Scand. 2008; 118(6): 459-468.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1600-0447.2008.01264.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objective: The study presents data on the 3‐month prevalences of postpartum anxiety disorders (PAD) and postpartum depressive disorders (PDD) and their comorbidity in a German community sample. Associations with sociodemographic variables and previous history of psychopathology were analysed.

Method: Data were gathered in a longitudinal study over the first 3 months postpartum. In a two‐stage screening procedure, a population‐based representative sample of 1024 postpartum women was assessed for symptoms of anxiety and depression using DSM‐IV‐based screening instruments.

Results: The estimated rates of DSM‐IV disorders were 11.1% for PAD and 6.1% for PDD. Comorbidity was found in 2.1%. The rate for PAD with postpartum onset was 2.2% and for PDD 4.6%. Young mothers and mothers with a low education level had a heightened risk of developing depression following delivery.

Conclusion: Because of the clinical relevance of PAD, controlled studies and specialized programmes for prevention and treatment are urgently required.