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. 2008 Dec;118(6):459-68.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2008.01264.x. Epub 2008 Oct 6.

Prevalence, onset and comorbidity of postpartum anxiety and depressive disorders

C Reck  1 , K Struben, M Backenstrass, U Stefenelli, K Reinig, T Fuchs, C Sohn, C Mundt
Affiliations

Prevalence, onset and comorbidity of postpartum anxiety and depressive disorders

C Reck et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2008 Dec.

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.

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