Study of anxiety and depression during pregnancy

ABSTRACT

To find out the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms during pregnancy. The sample of one hundred pregnant women was screened while waiting for their prenatal visit in obstetric clinic of FMH [Fatima Memorial Hospital]. They were eligible for the study if they were pregnant and giving consent. Control group [n=100] was taken from non pregnant women matched on age, education, marital status and monthly income. This was cross-sectional study and the convenience sampling [non-probability sampling] technique was used. The study was spread over the period of six months. A brief questionnaire for collecting demographic information was used. DSM-IV criteria for assessing past psychiatric illness were also used by the researcher. HADS [Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale] was used to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms. Of one hundred pregnant women 39% and 18% scored above cut-off on anxiety and depression scale respectively. Among control group the percentage for anxiety and depression was 28% and 12% respectively. Seventeen percent of pregnant women reported receiving psychiatric [pharmacological or psychotherapy] treatment for psychological issues. The T-test results showed significant difference between two groups regarding anxiety and depression. Pregnant women experience more anxiety and depression as compared to their closely matched counterparts and most of them are not being monitored during this time. More work is needed for detection, referral and treatment of anxiety/ depression during pregnancy. Clinical studies for maternal mental health and fetal consequences are also needed