Parental postpartum depression among medical residents

Abstract

The study aimed to quantify and compare rate of parental postpartum depression (PPD) among medical residents to that of the general population and identify potential areas of further support for resident parents. Our team, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) OB/GYN and Creighton Psychiatry departments, developed and disseminated 22 item anonymous survey distributed via email link to targeted specialties as well as the "Physician Mom's Group" on Facebook. The survey included both quantitative and qualitative measures on medical resident and resident partner mental health, demographics, specialty, year in residency, support from residency program, parental leave, and an open comment section. Seventy-two resident parents, 64% of whom were female, completed the survey. 42% of female respondents reported feeling they suffered from PPD symptoms, representing more than four times the rate of PPD within the general population (11%). Only 12% of these women reported having sought treatment or were diagnosed with PPD. Male residents did not report an increased rate of depressive symptoms; however, 19% of respondents believed their partner's symptoms were consistent with PPD. Responses from the survey and open-ended questions emphasized need for emotional support, transparency in programmatic leave policy, breastfeeding accommodations, and additional parental leave time. This is the first study of its kind to examine PPD among both male and female medical resident parents. Limitations of the study included small sample size, which impacted statistical significance. The data and commentary are nonetheless useful in highlighting risk of PPD amongst medical residents and indicate further study is warranted.

Keywords: Medical residency; Medical residents; Parenthood; Peripartum/postpartum/perinatal depression.