A Wenzel1, E N Haugen, L C Jackson, K Robinson. 1. Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks 58202-8380, USA. amy_wenzel@und.nodak.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the prevalence and nature of generalized anxiety symptoms in women who were eight weeks postpartum. METHOD: A community-based sample of 68 postpartum women completed an interview assessing generalized anxiety disorder and depression and a self-report measure of worry associated with concerns relevant to postpartum women. RESULTS: Three women (4.4%) met DSM-IV criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, and an additional 19 women (27.9%) endorsed subsyndromal difficulties with generalized anxiety. Approximately one third of these women endorsed symptoms of depression. In contrast, only two woman met criteria for major depressive disorder. CONCLUSION: Postpartum generalized anxiety has a higher prevalence than postpartum depression.
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the prevalence and nature of generalized anxiety symptoms in women who were eight weeks postpartum. METHOD: A community-based sample of 68 postpartum women completed an interview assessing generalized anxiety disorder and depression and a self-report measure of worry associated with concerns relevant to postpartum women. RESULTS: Three women (4.4%) met DSM-IV criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, and an additional 19 women (27.9%) endorsed subsyndromal difficulties with generalized anxiety. Approximately one third of these women endorsed symptoms of depression. In contrast, only two woman met criteria for major depressive disorder. CONCLUSION: Postpartum generalized anxiety has a higher prevalence than postpartum depression.
Authors: Emily J Fawcett; Nichole Fairbrother; Megan L Cox; Ian R White; Jonathan M Fawcett Journal: J Clin Psychiatry Date: 2019-07-23 Impact factor: 4.384