Personality and psychological characteristics in perinatal women / 中华围产医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the psychological characteristics and personality of perinatal women, and to provide evidence for effective psychological intervention. Methods Five hundred and seventy pregnant women were randomly selected from the out-patient department from October, 2002 to March, 2003. Eysenck Personality Questionnaire(EPQ) , Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS) were applied for their personality, psychological characteristics and the influencing factors. Psychological surveys were performed in 216 cases in labor, and 300 cases were followed up during 1-5 days and 42-60 days postpartum. Results During pregnant period, the incidence of anxiety and depression was 10. 5% and 10. 2%, respectively, while 4. 0% and 5. 3% during early stage of puerperium. The rate of depression was 40. 7% and 10. 0% during late stage of puerperium and after puerperium. Pregnant women with personality of stability were less likely to have psychological disorder. Conclusions The rate of psychological disorder varies in different per sonallity. Proper intervention among high risk pregnant women is important in perinatal psychological