Long-term outcomes of participants in a perinatal depression early detection program
Abstract Background Long-term follow-up studies are required to better understand the extent of the effectiveness of early detection programs for perinatal depression. We followed up participants in such a program to investigate the long-term depression, treatment and relationship outcomes of mother...
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Published in | Journal of affective disorders Vol. 129; no. 1; pp. 94 - 103 |
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Main Authors | , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Oxford
Elsevier B.V
01.03.2011
Elsevier |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Abstract Background Long-term follow-up studies are required to better understand the extent of the effectiveness of early detection programs for perinatal depression. We followed up participants in such a program to investigate the long-term depression, treatment and relationship outcomes of mothers originally identified as ‘probably depressed’ (screened positive). Methods At 2 years postpartum all participants who had ‘screened positive’ (N = 159) and a random sample of participants who had ‘screened negative’ were invited to participate in a mailed survey. Measures included: current mood; coping; access to treatment; quality of partner relationship; and mother–infant bonding. Results Mothers originally detected as probably depressed (n = 98) fared significantly worse than ‘screened negative’ mothers (n = 101) both in terms of their higher mean depression scores (EPDS: Ms = 11.0 vs. 6.4) and greater proportions categorised as probably depressed at 2 years postpartum (40% vs. 11% respectively, p < .001, phi = .33). Elevated depression symptoms at 2 years postpartum were associated with poorer partner relationships and mother–infant bonding. Moreover, there appears to be a double dose effect for women who screen positive on two occasions. Thirty-seven percent of depressed mothers did not take up treatment, frequently citing a preference for using their own resources. Limitations Limitations include the use of self-report measures to assess depression symptoms and mother–infant bonding. Treatment data was collected retrospectively. Conclusions Despite being offered treatment options, a substantial proportion of women who screened positive had poor long-term mental health and relationship outcomes. This paper discusses some of the implications for perinatal early detection and treatment programs. |
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Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
ISSN: | 0165-0327 1573-2517 |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.jad.2010.07.035 |