The neglected spectrum of COVID-19 pandemic - postpartum depression among COVID-19 infected South-Indian women – a cohort study

• Published in: Asian journal of psychiatry Vol. 81; p. 103452
• Main Authors: Senthil Kumar, Krithika V., Priyadharshini, Meena, Naidu, Deepika, Shanmugam, Jeevithan, Priyadharshini, Suganya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.03.2023
• Subjects: COVID-19 disease; Postpartum depression; Short Communication; COVID-19 disease; Postpartum depression
• ISSN: 1876-2018; 1876-2026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103452

The study aims to explore the burden of postpartum depression among COVID-19-infected mothers and stressor factors. A single-centre observational cohort study was conducted in South India to evaluate postpartum depression among 106 COVID-19-infected women who delivered from December 2020 to May 2021. Also, stressor factors related to COVID-19 infection were figured out to analyse their role in depression. Almost half of the COVID-19-infected mothers had a global EPDS score ≥ 10 and were at risk of depression during the pandemic. The depressive symptoms were not confined to the immediate postpartum period, but significantly impacted mothers until 6 months following childbirth. COVID-19 infection not only affects the physical well-being but also adversely affects the mental health of the infected persons. Postpartum mothers who require the utmost care and support, are facing social deprivation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This triggers the already fragile mental state of postpartum women and may worsen the level of depression. •Postpartum depression is a serious mental health issue to new mothers.•Postpartum mothers are more vulnerable to pandemic outcomes.•COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated depression among new mothers.•Addressing mental health is equally important during post-pandemic era.