EBNEO commentary: Elevated depression and anxiety symptoms in parents of very preterm infants while hospitalised and post-discharge.

MANUSCRIPT CITATION

Pace CC, Spittle AJ, Molesworth CM, Lee KJ, Northam EA, Cheong JL, Davis PG, Doyle LW, Treyvaud K, Anderson PJ. Evolution of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Parents of Very Preterm Infants During the Newborn Period. JAMA Pediatr 2016;170:863‐870. PMID 27428766.

COMMENTARY

NICU parents have a higher prevalence of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Untreated PMADs have been associated with worse health outcomes for mothers and their children. While this study focuses on parental symptoms of depression and anxiety, others have shown that efforts towards PMAD prevention, diagnosis and treatment improve health outcomes for preterm infants. Here, we highlight three future directions in PMAD research with potential to improve health outcomes for families who are affected by preterm birth.

First, broadened PMAD screening may increase diagnosis and treatment rates in NICU parents. This study supports the American Academy of Paediatrics' recommendations for postpartum depression screening at well infant visits. A strength of this study is its inclusion of NICU fathers who are often neglected in terms of mental health initiatives and research. Evidence outside of this study demonstrates that fathers' involvement in preterm care enhances both parents' engagement. While both tools used in this study, the CES‐D and HADS have been reported in parents of preterm infants, a limitation of this study, as well as current gap in the literature, is the absence of a validated screening tool specific to the NICU parent population. Current literature reports a myriad of assessment tools, yet there is no single comprehensive tool validated for NICU caregivers that screens for the most common PMAD diagnoses in this population: depression, anxiety and post‐traumatic stress disorder. , The development of such a tool would aid screening efforts.

Second, Pace et al. emphasise the disproportionate number of families with high social risk affected by preterm birth. Not surprisingly, a higher social risk predicted depressive and anxiety symptoms. A limitation of this study is the exclusion of non‐English speaking parents. Additionally, descriptive characteristics of the cohort, such as parental race, ethnicity, education and socioeconomic status, are not reported. Previous work has shown that PMAD prevalence is higher in parents of lower socioeconomic status. This study may therefore underestimate the prevalence of PMADs, and these limitations hinder the generalizability of the study's findings. We echo current calls to action to eliminate PMAD outcome disparities and include representative and diverse populations in research and quality improvement initiatives.

Last, Pace et al. report an interaction between maternal depressive symptoms and presence of siblings. Currently, there is a paucity of data regarding the impact of preterm birth on siblings. Adverse childhood experiences, such as significant disruption to the home environment, are associated with chronic health and behavioural problems. While this was outside of the scope of this study, future research aimed to support siblings of preterm infants may improve family mental health and well‐being.

In summary, inclusive NICU mental health initiatives will improve health outcomes for those affected by premature birth. Since this study in 2016, efforts towards these initiatives have gained traction. , Although there is much work to be done around PMADs and their impact on family well‐being, we are encouraged by studies like Pace et al. that bring attention to its importance.

URL LINK

https://ebneo.org/parental‐depression‐and‐anxiety‐nicu

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.