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.
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.
Authors: Barbara P Yawn; Allen J Dietrich; Peter Wollan; Susan Bertram; Debbie Graham; Jessica Huff; Margary Kurland; Suzanne Madison; Wilson D Pace Journal: Ann Fam Med Date: 2012 Jul-Aug Impact factor: 5.166
Authors: Nomi S Weiss-Laxer; Rheanna Platt; Lauren M Osborne; Mary Kimmel; Barry S Solomon; Tamar Mendelson; Lindsey Webb; Anne W Riley Journal: Pediatr Res Date: 2015-10-20 Impact factor: 3.756