Twin Pregnancies: Evaluation of Major Depression, Stress, and Social Support

• Published in: Twin research and human genetics Vol. 16; no. 2; pp. 629 - 633
• Main Authors: Benute, Glaucia R. G., Nozzella, Debora C. R., Prohaska, Cecilia, Liao, Adolfo, de Lucia, Mara C. S., Zugaib, Marcelo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.04.2013
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Brazil - epidemiology; Complications; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression, Mental; Depressive Disorder, Major - diagnosis; Depressive Disorder, Major - epidemiology; Diagnosis; Female; Humans; Mental health; Middle Aged; Multiple pregnancy; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications - diagnosis; Pregnancy Complications - epidemiology; Pregnancy, Twin - psychology; Pregnant women; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Psychological aspects; Social Support; Stress, Psychological - diagnosis; Stress, Psychological - epidemiology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult; Brazil; social support; depression; psychological stress; twin pregnancy
• ISSN: 1832-4274; 1839-2628
• DOI: 10.1017/thg.2012.153

Background: Twin pregnancies are at increased physiological and psychosocial risks. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of major depression in twin pregnancies and correlate with stress and social support. Method: The study included 51 pregnant women under specialized prenatal care who were evaluated by a Portuguese version of the semi-structured questionnaire Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) for Major Depression, and the Prenatal Psychosocial Profile (PPP) for evaluation of stress and social support. Results: Major depression was found in 33.3% of pregnant women, and prevailing symptoms were fatigue or loss of energy (100%), insomnia or hypersomnia (82.4%), changes in appetite (82.4%), decreased interest in daily activities (82.4%), and psychomotor agitation or retardation (82.4%). Among pregnant women who were diagnosed depressive, 76.5% also had a high level of stress and 47.1% complained about lack of social support. Statistical significance was found when correlating depression with perception of negative aspects of having twins and belief in significant body changes during pregnancy (p = .005 and .03, respectively). Marital status, occupation, and pregnancy planning were not significantly associated with the diagnosis of depression. Conclusion: Major depression occurs in one-third of pregnant women expecting twins and is associated with higher levels of stress and lack of social support. A multidisciplinary approach in these cases is fundamental to minimize further risks and complications.