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Persistence of anxiety symptoms after elective caesarean delivery.

Authors :
Janssen AB
Savory KA
Garay SM
Sumption L
Watkins W
Garcia-Martin I
Savory NA
Ridgway A
Isles AR
Penketh R
Jones IR
John RM
Source :
BJPsych open [BJPsych Open] 2018 Aug 17; Vol. 4 (5), pp. 354-360. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Aug 17 (Print Publication: 2018).
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

Background: In the UK, 11.8% of expectant mothers undergo an elective caesarean section (ELCS) representing 92 000 births per annum. It is not known to what extent this procedure has an impact on mental well-being in the longer term.<br />Aims: To determine the prevalence and postpartum progression of anxiety and depression symptoms in women undergoing ELCS in Wales.<br />Method: Prevalence of depression and anxiety were determined in women at University Hospital Wales (2015-16; n = 308) through completion of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; ≥13) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI; ≥40) questionnaires 1 day prior to ELCS, and three postpartum time points for 1 year. Maternal characteristics were determined from questionnaires and, where possible, confirmed from National Health Service maternity records.<br />Results: Using these criteria the prevalence of reported depression symptoms was 14.3% (95% CI 10.9-18.3) 1 day prior to ELCS, 8.0% (95% CI 4.2-12.5) within 1 week, 8.7% (95% CI 4.2-13.8) at 10 weeks and 12.4% (95% CI 6.4-18.4) 1 year postpartum. Prevalence of reported anxiety symptoms was 27.3% (95% CI 22.5-32.4), 21.7% (95% CI 15.8-28.0), 25.3% (95% CI 18.5-32.7) and 35.1% (95% CI 26.3-44.2) at these same stages. Prenatal anxiety was not resolved after ELCS more than 1 year after delivery.<br />Conclusions: Women undergoing ELCS experience prolonged anxiety postpartum that merits focused clinical attention.<br />Declaration of Interest: None.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2056-4724
Volume :
4
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
BJPsych open
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
30202597
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2018.48