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Etyemez S, Mehta K, Tutino E, Zaidi A, Atif N, Rahman A, Malik A, Voegtline KM, Surkan PJ, Osborne LM. The immune phenotype of perinatal anxiety in an anxiety-focused behavioral intervention program in Pakistan. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 120:141-150. [PMID: 38777289 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of the immune system has been associated with psychiatric disorders and pregnancy-related complications, such as perinatal depression. However, the immune characteristics specific to perinatal anxiety remain poorly understood. In this study, our goal was to examine specific immune characteristics related to prenatal anxiety within the context of a randomized controlled trial designed to alleviate anxiety symptoms-the Happy Mother - Healthy Baby (HMHB) study in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant women (n = 117) were followed prospectively in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters (T1, T2, T3) and at 6 weeks postpartum (PP6). Each visit included a blood draw and anxiety evaluation (as measured by the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - HADS -using a cutoff ≥ 8). We enrolled both healthy controls and participants with anxiety alone; those with concurrent depression were excluded. RESULTS K-means cluster analysis revealed three anxiety clusters: Non-Anxiety, High and Consistent Anxiety, and Decreasing Anxiety. Principal components analysis revealed two distinct clusters of cytokine and chemokine activity. Women within the High and Consistent Anxiety group had significantly elevated chemokine activity across pregnancy (in trimester 1 (β = 0.364, SE = 0.178, t = 2.040, p = 0.043), in trimester 2 (β = 0.332, SE = 0.164, t = 2.020, p = 0.045), and trimester 3 (β = 0.370, SE = 0.179, t = 2.070, p = 0.040) compared to Non-Anxiety group. Elevated chemokine activity was associated with low birthweight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA). CONCLUSION Our findings reveal a unique pattern of immune dysregulation in pregnant women with anxiety in a Pakistani population and offer preliminary evidence that immune dysregulation associated with antenatal anxiety may be associated with birth outcomes. The dysregulation in this population is distinct from that in our other studies, indicating that population-level factors other than anxiety may play a substantial role in the differences found. (Clinicaltrials.gov # NCT04566861).
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Affiliation(s)
- Semra Etyemez
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kruti Mehta
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Emily Tutino
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ahmed Zaidi
- Human Development Research Foundation, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Najia Atif
- Human Development Research Foundation, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Atif Rahman
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Abid Malik
- Human Development Research Foundation, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Kristin M Voegtline
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, MD, USA; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Pamela J Surkan
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Lauren M Osborne
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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Albanese AM, Geller PA, Steinkamp JM, Elwy AR, Frank HE, Barkin JL. The education of experience: Mixed methods evidence demonstrates the benefit of multiparity. Midwifery 2024; 134:104015. [PMID: 38688050 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
PROBLEM Existing quantitative data is conflicting concerning whether multiparous birthing parents (individuals with an older child(ren)) experience an easier postpartum transition compared to primiparous birthing parents (first time parents). AIM This convergent mixed methods study leverages the depth of qualitative inquiry to seek a clearer understanding of the way in which acquired parenting experience contributes to observed quantitative differences in outcomes between parity groups. This work can serve as a first step in planning for supportive interventions that effectively address the postpartum needs of both parity groups. METHODS Thirty birthing parents (43.3% multiparous; 46.7% racial minorities) completed measures of postpartum functioning, perceived stress, anxiety symptoms, and depression symptoms as well as an interview inquiring about factors impacting postpartum functioning. Scores on postpartum functioning and emotional wellbeing were compared between parity groups, and these findings were merged with the qualitative data on firsthand parenting experience to clarify how acquired experience impacts functioning and emotional wellbeing during the postpartum transition. FINDINGS Primiparous parents reported significantly: worse postpartum functioning, higher perceived stress, higher levels of depression symptoms, and higher levels of anxiety symptoms. Participants' qualitative report of how acquired parenting experience impacts wellbeing suggests that experience grants parents skills, knowledge, and the opportunity to disconfirm maladaptive cognitions about parenting which allows for increased comfort and confidence in the parental role. CONCLUSIONS The practical and psychological resources gained from acquiring parenting experience during one's first postpartum period appear to be brought forward into subsequent pregnancies and protect against threats to functioning and emotional wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana M Albanese
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Pamela A Geller
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - A Rani Elwy
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Hannah E Frank
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jennifer L Barkin
- Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA
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Witkowska-Zimny M, Zhyvotovska A, Isakov R, Boiko DI, Nieradko-Iwanicka B. Maternal Sleeping Problems Before and After Childbirth - A Systematic Review. Int J Womens Health 2024; 16:345-371. [PMID: 38455339 PMCID: PMC10918694 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s446490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The perinatal and postpartum period is of great significance for women due to physiological changes, shifts in circadian rhythms, social setting, and psychological well-being, all of which affect the quality and quantity of their sleep. A mixed-studies systematic review was undertaken to enhance our understanding of sleep disturbances and mood disorders in women in late pregnancy and the postpartum period, their connection with breastfeeding, and the assessment of interventions for sleep disturbance. Three electronic databases (PUBMED, EMBASE and Google Scholar) were searched for qualitative, observational, and mixed-method studies from the year 2016 to June 2023. Twenty-nine articles were included in the analysis. The results were synthesized into four overarching themes: (і) the sleep quality of women in the perinatal period; (ii) the relationship between sleep and breastfeeding; (iii) the relationship between sleep quality and emotional disturbance in the perinatal period; (iv) sleep interventions in the researched group. The subjective nature of the perception of sleep disturbances, along with the absence of an objective measurement tool is clearly an inconvenience. It is advisable to include the assessment of maternal sleep hygiene and family sleep patterns during postpartum healthcare provider appointments to develop strategies not only for women's sleep quality but also for their mental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anastasiia Zhyvotovska
- Department of Psychiatry, Narcology and Medical Psychology, Poltava State Medical University, Poltava, Ukraine
| | - Rustam Isakov
- Department of Psychiatry, Narcology and Medical Psychology, Poltava State Medical University, Poltava, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro I Boiko
- Department of Psychiatry, Narcology and Medical Psychology, Poltava State Medical University, Poltava, Ukraine
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Miller ML, Jiang LJ, O'Hara MW. Experiential avoidance as a mediator of risk factors for higher order internalizing psychopathology in the perinatal period. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:625-645. [PMID: 38265296 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Perinatal psychopathology can be damaging. This study examined the strength of the associations between risk factors and all perinatal mood and anxiety disorder symptoms while assessing the mediating effect of experiential avoidance. METHOD Participants (N = 246) completed assessments during pregnancy (28-32 weeks) and the postpartum (6-8 weeks). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine associations between risk factors and latent factors: distress (composed of depression, generalized anxiety, irritability, and panic symptoms); fear (social anxiety, agoraphobia, specific phobia, and obsessive-compulsive); and bipolar (mania and obsessive-compulsive). RESULTS During pregnancy, past psychiatric history, anxiety sensitivity, maladaptive coping, and age were significant risk factors. In the postpartum, negative maternal attitudes and past psychiatric history were only risk factors for symptoms that composed distress. Experiential avoidance mediated the relation between maladaptive coping and symptoms that composed fear. CONCLUSION It is important to assess for psychological risk factors starting in pregnancy. This study identified critical risk factors that are associated with the underlying commonality among perinatal mood and anxiety symptoms. Some of the risk factors as well as the mediator are malleable (negative maternal attitudes, experiential avoidance), creating new possibilities for prevention and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Miller
- University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Lily J Jiang
- Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Beck-Hiestermann FML, Hartung LK, Richert N, Miethe S, Wiegand-Grefe S. Are 6 more accurate than 4? The influence of different modes of delivery on postpartum depression and PTSD. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:118. [PMID: 38331809 PMCID: PMC10851577 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06267-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Empirical evidence shows that 4.6-6.3% of all women develop a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and approximately 10-15% postpartum depression (PPD) following childbirth. This study explores the relationship between delivery mode and the occurrence of PTSD and PPD, specifically examining four distinct caesarean section (CS) modes: primary on maternal request (Grade 4), medically indicated primary (Grade 3), secondary CS from relative indication (Grade 2) and emergency secondary CS (Grade 1), compared to vaginal and assisted vaginal delivery (AVD). The research aims to understand how these six subcategories of delivery modes impact PPD and PTSD levels. Common predictors, including the need for psychological treatment before childbirth, fear of childbirth, planning of pregnancy, induction of labor, birth debriefing, and lack of social support after childbirth, will be analyzed to determine their association with postpartum mental health outcomes. METHODS The study was planned and carried out by a research team of the psychology department at the Medical School Hamburg, Germany. Within an online-study (cross-sectional design) N = 1223 German speaking women with a baby who did not die before, during or after birth were surveyed once between four weeks and twelve months postpartum via an anonymous online questionnaire on demographic and gynecological data, delivery mode, PTSD (PCL-5) and PPD (EPDS). RESULTS For both psychiatric disorders, ANOVA revealed significant differences between delivery mode and PPD and PTSD. With weak effects for PPD and medium to strong effects for PTSD. Post-hoc tests showed increased levels of PPD for two CS types (Grade 1, Grade 3) compared to vaginal delivery. For PTSD, secondary CS from relative indication (Grade 2), emergency secondary CS (Grade 1) and assisted vaginal delivery (AVD) were associated with elevated levels of PTSD. Regression analysis revealed delivery mode as a significant predictor of EPDS- (medium effect size) and PCL-5-Score (medium to high effect size). LIMITATION Delivery was considered as the potential traumatic event, and any previous traumas were not documented. Additionally, the categorization of delivery modes relied on subjective reports rather than medical confirmation. CONCLUSION The study highlights the influence of delivery mode on the mental health of postpartum mothers: different modes influence postpartum disorders in various ways. However, the definition of delivery mode was only stated subjectively and not medically confirmed. Further research should investigate which aspects of the different delivery modes affect maternal mental health and explore how the perception of childbirth may be influenced by specific delivery experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Marie Lea Beck-Hiestermann
- Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Lisa Kathrin Hartung
- Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine Richert
- Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Miethe
- Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Silke Wiegand-Grefe
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Spinoni M, Singh Solorzano C, Grano C. The impact of prepartum pandemic-related perceived stress on anxiety symptoms in the postpartum: The role of perceived childbirth experiences. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 99:102762. [PMID: 37647729 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Postpartum anxiety is a significant component of postpartum maternal distress and is related to adverse outcomes for both the mother and the child. Although previous research reported higher anxiety symptoms in pregnant women during the Covid-19 pandemic, no studies evaluated the negative impact of pandemic-related perceived stress on postpartum anxiety symptomatology over time. This study aimed to examine the impact of prepartum pandemic-related stress on postpartum anxiety and to evaluate the role of subjective labor and delivery experiences on this relationship. A sample of 172 pregnant women completed an online questionnaire evaluating pandemic-related perceived stress and anxiety symptoms in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. In the postpartum, they completed a second questionnaire retrospectively evaluating their childbirth experience and assessing anxiety symptoms in the last two weeks. A mediation analysis was conducted. Prepartum pandemic-related perceived stress was significantly associated with postpartum anxiety symptoms. Moreover, childbirth experiences significantly and partially mediated this relationship. Findings highlighted the importance of evaluating perceived stress levels during pregnancy to prevent negative consequences on postpartum mental health. Clinicians need to foster better management of factors included in the childbirth experience that may potentially trigger or counteract anxiety risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Spinoni
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Dei Marsi, 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Caterina Grano
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Dei Marsi, 78, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Klauser N, Müller M, Zietlow AL, Nonnenmacher N, Woll C, Becker-Stoll F, Rec C. Maternal postpartum anxiety and the development of infant attachment: The effect of body sensations on infant attachment. J Affect Disord 2023; 331:259-268. [PMID: 36958486 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge about the influences of maternal postpartum anxiety disorders (PAD) on infant development is limited. Aim of this present study is to evaluate the influence of PAD on infant attachment. METHODS In a longitudinal study, self-reported anxiety symptoms of N = 70 mothers (N = 28 with PAD diagnosed according to the DSM-IV, N = 42 controls) were examined in the postpartum period and one year later. Infants' attachment was observed in the Strange Situation Test (SST) at the age of 12-24 months. RESULTS Results indicate a strong relationship between PAD and infant attachment: infants of mothers with PAD were significantly more likely to be classified as insecure or disorganized than infants of control mothers. Logistic regression analysis led to a significant model with 76.8 % correct classification of infant attachment dependent on the maternal fear of anxiety associated body sensations (OR = 4.848) in the postpartum period. Including maternal sensitivity and interaction behavior, only maternal intrusiveness was additionally associated with infant attachment (ρ = 0.273, p < .05; OR = 45.021, p = .153). LIMITATIONS Participants were highly educated. Different anxiety disorders included led to a heterogenous sample. Generalization is diminished. Maternal sensitivity was measured on a global scale, and body tension was self-reported. CONCLUSIONS PAD plays a crucial role in the development of infant attachment. Interaction-focused interventions, helping mothers to decrease intrusiveness, and body-focused interventions, helping mothers to deal with their fear of anxiety symptoms, might be promising pathways to buffer the influence of PAD on infant attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathania Klauser
- Ludwig-Maximilians University, Department of Psychology, Munich, Germany.
| | - Mitho Müller
- Ludwig-Maximilians University, Department of Psychology, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Zietlow
- Technical University Dresden, Department of Psychology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nora Nonnenmacher
- Heidelberg University Hospital, General Psychiatry, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Woll
- Ludwig-Maximilians University, Department of Psychology, Munich, Germany
| | - Fabienne Becker-Stoll
- Ludwig-Maximilians University, Department of Psychology, Munich, Germany; Staatsinstitut für Frühpädagogik Bayern, Munich, Germany
| | - Corinna Rec
- Ludwig-Maximilians University, Department of Psychology, Munich, Germany
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Miller ML, O'Hara MW. The structure of mood and anxiety disorder symptoms in the perinatal period. J Affect Disord 2023; 325:231-239. [PMID: 36610596 PMCID: PMC11095580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The perinatal period is increasingly recognized as a vulnerable time for the development and exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms. Research has often focused on perinatal depression, with much less information on perinatal anxiety. This study examined the psychometric structure of all internalizing (anxiety and mood disorder symptoms) in the perinatal period. METHODS Participants were primarily community adults receiving prenatal care from an academic medical center (N = 246). Participants completed a structured clinical interview using the Interview for Mood and Anxiety Symptoms (IMAS) during pregnancy (28-32 weeks gestation) and the postpartum (6-8 weeks). Clinical interviews dimensionally assessed all current anxiety, mood, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms as well as lifetime psychiatric diagnoses. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analyses identified three latent factors onto which psychiatric symptoms loaded: Distress (depression, generalized anxiety, irritability, and panic symptoms), Fear (social anxiety, agoraphobia, specific phobia, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms), and Bipolar (mania and obsessive-compulsive symptoms) in both pregnancy and the postpartum. The fit statistics of the models indicated adequate to good fit in both models. LIMITATIONS The IMAS is validated against the DSM-IV-TR rather than the DSM-5 and assessments of psychiatric symptoms were focused only on the current pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS A three-factor model consisting of Distress, Fear and Bipolar latent factors was the best-fitting model in pregnancy and the postpartum period and showed stability across time. The structure of internalizing symptoms has important implications for future perinatal research and can be utilized to guide treatment by highlighting which psychiatric symptoms may be most similar during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Miller
- University of Iowa, United States of America; Indiana University School of Medicine, United States of America.
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Sherer ML, Voegtline KM, Park HS, Miller KN, Shuffrey LC, Klein SL, Osborne LM. The immune phenotype of perinatal anxiety. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 106:280-288. [PMID: 36115543 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune dysregulation has been linked to both psychiatric illness and pregnancy morbidity, including perinatal depression, but little is known about the immune phenotype of perinatal anxiety. Here, we sought to identify the unique immune profile of antenatal anxiety. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant women (n = 107) were followed prospectively at 2nd and 3rd trimesters (T2, T3) and 6 weeks postpartum (PP6). Each visit included a blood draw and psychological evaluation, with clinical anxiety assessed using the Spielberg State-Trait Anxiety Scale. We enrolled both healthy controls and participants with anxiety alone; those with comorbid depression were excluded. Multiplex cytokine assays and flow cytometry were used to examine the association of anxiety symptoms with secreted immune markers and PBMC-derived immune cells. RESULTS K cluster means revealed three clusters of anxiety symptomatology; due to low numbers in the highest severity anxiety group, these were collapsed into two groups: Non-Anxiety and Anxiety. Principal components analysis revealed two distinct clusters of cytokine secretion including one cluster that consisted of many innate immune cytokines and differed between groups. Compared to women in the Non-Anxiety group, women in the Anxiety group had lower levels of cytokine expression during pregnancy and an increase in levels into the postpartum, whereas Non-Anxiety women experienced a time-dependent decline. Immune cell populations also differed between our two groups, with the Anxiety group showing a decrease in the ratio of B cells to T cells from pregnancy to postpartum, whereas the Non-Anxiety women showed an increase in this ratio over time. Women in the Anxiety group also demonstrated an increased ratio of cytotoxic to helper T cells throughout pregnancy, a modest increase in the Th1:Th2 ratio across pregnancy, and a lower ratio of Th17:TREG cells in the postpartum as compared with Non-Anxiety women. CONCLUSION These data suggest that the immune response throughout the antenatal period differs for women with anxiety symptoms compared to those without, suggestive of a unique immune phenotype of perinatal anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan L Sherer
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Kristin M Voegtline
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Han-Sol Park
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristen N Miller
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lauren C Shuffrey
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Sabra L Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lauren M Osborne
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Di Paolo AL, King S, McLean MA, Lequertier B, Elgbeili G, Kildea S, Dahlen HG. Prenatal stress from the COVID-19 pandemic predicts maternal postpartum anxiety as moderated by psychological factors: The Australian BITTOC Study. J Affect Disord 2022; 314:68-77. [PMID: 35760187 PMCID: PMC9232265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.06.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there have been reports of increased perinatal anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic (Stepowicz et al., 2020), there has been a lack of research on the relative importance of objective hardship and subjective distress. In this study, we explored the extent to which resilience, tolerance of uncertainty, and cognitive appraisal of the pandemic's consequences moderate the effect of prenatal objective hardship and subjective distress due to the pandemic on 2-month postpartum anxiety. METHODS Data were collected as part of the Birth in the Time of COVID (BITTOC) study. We measured objective hardship and subjective distress, mental health, and potential psychological moderators in 419 pregnant women residing in Australia, and at two months postpartum. Hierarchical multiple regressions were used. RESULTS Objective hardship and subjective distress independently predicted postpartum anxiety. All three psychological factors moderated the effect of objective hardship on anxiety. For women with low/neutral resilience, or low/moderate tolerance of uncertainty, or a negative cognitive appraisal, greater objective hardship predicted higher postpartum anxiety. Conversely, for women with high resilience, or high tolerance of uncertainty, or neutral/positive cognitive appraisal, there was no association. Only a neutral/positive cognitive appraisal significantly buffered the effect of subjective distress on anxiety. LIMITATIONS Participants self-selected themselves into the study. The generalizability of our results could be restricted to women of higher socio-economic status. CONCLUSIONS These findings help us better understand options for intervention and assessment of vulnerable women during times of stress, along with the mechanisms by which COVID-related stress during pregnancy contributes to postpartum anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber-Lee Di Paolo
- Douglas Institute Research Centre, 6875 Boulevard LaSalle, Verdun, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Suzanne King
- Douglas Institute Research Centre, 6875 Boulevard LaSalle, Verdun, QC H4H 1R3, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033 Avenue des Pins, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada.
| | - Mia A McLean
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Belinda Lequertier
- Molly Wardaguga Research Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Charles Darwin University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Guillaume Elgbeili
- Douglas Institute Research Centre, 6875 Boulevard LaSalle, Verdun, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Sue Kildea
- Molly Wardaguga Research Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Charles Darwin University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hannah G Dahlen
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
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Intolerance of Uncertainty and Perfectionistic Beliefs About Parenting as Cognitive Mechanisms of Symptom Change During Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Perinatal Anxiety. Behav Ther 2022; 53:738-750. [PMID: 35697435 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A recent randomized controlled trial of group cognitive behavior therapy (CBGT) for perinatal anxiety showed that CBGT is effective in reducing anxiety and depression in pregnant and postpartum women. In secondary analyses, the role of potential mechanisms of symptom change was examined, including intolerance of uncertainty (IU), self-oriented parenting perfectionism (SOPP) and societal-prescribed parenting perfectionism (SPPP). METHOD The sample included 75 women (Mage = 31.99, SD = 3.57; 37.3% pregnant, 62.7% postpartum) who sought treatment for anxiety and completed the 6-week CBGT or 6-week waitlist within the larger trial. Measures of anxiety (State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety; STICSA), depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; EPDS), and the proposed mediators (IU, SOPP, SPPP) were completed at baseline and 6-weeks post-baseline. RESULTS Two moderated mediation models were evaluated to identify potential mediators of the effect of condition (CBGT, waitlist) on anxiety (STICSA; Model 1) or depressive symptoms (EPDS; Model 2). In Model 1, changes in IU partially mediated the effect of condition on anxiety (STICSA) for both pregnant and postpartum women. Changes in SOPP and SPPP were partial mediators for postpartum women only. Change in depression (EPDS) was also a partial mediator for pregnant women in this model. In Model 2, none of the cognitive variables mediated the effect of condition on depressive symptoms (EPDS). However, change in anxiety (STICSA) was a significant mediator of the effect of condition on depression (EPDS) and only among pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS The results provide support for IU, SOPP and SPPP as mechanisms of change during CBGT and identify differences in important mechanisms among pregnant and postpartum women.
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12
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An experimental investigation of intolerance of uncertainty and its impact on sub-clinical psychopathology. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2022; 75:101718. [PMID: 35081482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2021.101718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) is a transdiagnostic construct that is implicated in psychological difficulties, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and eating disorders (ED). However, most studies exploring IU have been correlational in nature. This study examined (1) whether a linguistic manipulation of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) would successfully manipulate IU in an undergraduate sample, (2) whether experimentally increased or decreased levels of IU affect symptoms of MDD, GAD, OCD and ED, and (3) whether increased baseline symptom severity influences the magnitude of change in symptom severity post-manipulation. METHODS A linguistic manipulation of the IUS was used to manipulate participants' beliefs about their ability to tolerate uncertainty. N = 106 undergraduate participants were randomised to one of two conditions: high IU (HIU; n = 54) or low IU (LIU; n = 52), and completed measures on symptom severity at baseline and one-week follow-up. RESULTS The manipulation successfully reduced IU in LIU. Participants in this group did not experience significant changes in symptom severity post-manipulation. However, individuals with higher baseline OCD in LIU demonstrated greater decreases in post-manipulation OCD symptoms, compared with individuals in HIU. LIMITATIONS Only the LIU manipulation was effective, limiting the findings from the HIU. The one-week follow-up and relatively small sample size of predominantly female undergraduate students may dilute and limit the generalisability of results. CONCLUSION Findings support the utility of this manipulation in reducing IU, and the significance of different levels of IU in OCD.
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13
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Using self-report RDoC measures to identify transdiagnostic translational targets for perinatal affective disorders. Arch Womens Ment Health 2022; 25:411-420. [PMID: 34697660 PMCID: PMC8947937 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-021-01190-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Perinatal depression affects 6.5-12.9% of women, with high rates in women of color and comorbid perinatal anxiety in up to 50% of cases. The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) provides a translational framework for identifying transdiagnostic psychiatric symptoms, but its application in perinatal affective disorders (PNAD) is yet limited. Here, we identified RDoC-based transdiagnostic features of PNAD in 140 primarily low-income Black and Hispanic women at 272 total longitudinal visits across the perinatal period. Women completed RDoC self-report measures of potential threat and reward valuation-Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System scale (BIS/BAS) and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS)-and measures of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7; GAD-7). Longitudinal mixed effects models assessed associations of between-person ("trait-like") and within-person ("state-like") measures of potential threat (BIS/IUS) and reward valuation (BAS-Drive) with depression and anxiety symptoms. Higher "trait-like" BIS (standardized b = 2.33, p < .001) and IUS (b = 2.97, p < .001) scores, higher "state-like" BIS (b = .71, p < .001), and lower "state-like" BAS-Drive (b = - .58, p = .04) scores were associated with worse depressive symptoms. Higher "trait-like" BIS (b = 2.22, p < .001) and IUS (b = 2.73, p < .001) and higher "state-like" BIS scores (b = .92, p < .001) were associated with worse anxiety symptoms. Potential threat may be a prominent, transdiagnostic feature of perinatal anxiety and depression, whereas reward valuation may be a non-transdiagnostic, weaker feature of perinatal depression. Potential threat is important as both a "trait-like" feature that is sustained across the perinatal period and a "state-like" feature that varies within a woman across pregnancy. Grounded in RDoC, this work reveals neurobiological targets for translational research into PNAD.
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14
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Fahiem RA, Mekkawy LH. A New Perspective of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Associated With Delayed Language Development: An Egyptian Sample. Psychiatry Investig 2022; 19:164-170. [PMID: 35196826 PMCID: PMC8958202 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2021.0232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to get an easy objective method to detect attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by investigating the simple inflammatory blood ratios platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PRL), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) & the monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), for the sake of receiving early management to such cases and overcoming language affection as a comorbid symptom. METHODS This study was conducted on two groups: Group 1 (SG) consisted of 70 ADHD children who had delayed language development (DLD), freshly diagnosed, according to DSM-V criteria, and those patients were not on medical treatment. Group 2 healthy group (HG) consisted of 44 healthy control normal children that were both physically and mentally free of the same socio-demographic characters of the first group. RESULTS The PLR, NLR and MLR, were significantly higher in the ADHD group than the healthy control group (HG) group, although the simple blood indices were average. CONCLUSION Inflammation has a role as a comorbid cause of ADHD. Simple blood inflammatory mediators may be used as comorbid factors in ADHD. This study explained that the language abilities must be taken in consideration when assessing children with ADHD. The screening tools for inflammatory markers are important when dealing with ADHD children with/ without delayed language development (DLD). Also, working memory assessment is mandatory in ADHD with DLD to assign a special program in language therapy for each child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham Ahmed Fahiem
- Department of Medical Studies for Children, Faculty of Postgraduate Childhood Studies, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Lamis H Mekkawy
- Department of Medical Studies for Children, Faculty of Postgraduate Childhood Studies, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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15
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Yang K, Wu J, Chen X. Risk factors of perinatal depression in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:63. [PMID: 35086502 PMCID: PMC8793194 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03684-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal depression in women is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and has attracted increasing attention. The investigation of risk factors of perinatal depression in women may contribute to the early identification of depressed or depression-prone women in clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS A computerized systematic literature search was made in Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE from January 2009 to October 2021. All included articles were published in English, which evaluated factors influencing perinatal depression in women. Based on the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration protocols, Review Manager 5.3 was used as a statistical platform. RESULTS Thirty-one studies with an overall sample size of 79,043 women were included in the review. Educational level (P = 0.0001, odds ratio [OR]: 1.40, 95% CI: [1.18,1.67]), economic status of families (P = 0.0001, OR: 1.69, 95%CI: [1.29,2.22]), history of mental illness (P < 0.00001, OR: 0.29, 95% CI: [0.18, 0.47]), domestic violence (P < 0.00001, OR: 0.24, 95% CI: [0.17,0.34]), perinatal smoking or drinking (P = 0.005, OR: 0.63; 95% CI [0.45, 0.87]; P = 0.008, OR: 0.43, 95% CI, [0.23 to 0.80]; respectively), and multiparity(P = 0.0003, OR: 0.74, 95% CI: [0.63, 0.87]) were correlated with perinatal depression in women. The stability of our pooled results was verified by sensitivity analysis and publication bias was not observed based on funnel plot results. CONCLUSION Lower educational level, poor economic status of families, history of mental illness, domestic violence, perinatal smoking or drinking, and multiparity serve as risk factors of perinatal depression in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Jing Wu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Xiangdong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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16
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Tajalli S, Imani A. Tokophobia in Iranian women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Reprod Biomed 2022; 19:1025-1026. [PMID: 34981038 PMCID: PMC8717077 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i11.9918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Saleheh Tajalli
- Nursing Care Research Center (NCRC), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Asad Imani
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
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17
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Infante-Gil L, Silverio SA, Fallon V, Wendland J. Postpartum specific anxiety in a French population: Validation of the French version of the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale [PSAS-FR]. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:418-428. [PMID: 33955561 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to validate the Postpartum-Specific-Anxiety-Scale (PSAS) as a French-language instrument, which assesses maternal and infant-related anxieties during the postpartum period. DESIGN AND METHODS The methodology included six stages: preliminary French translation; selection of most articulate items and back-translation; rectification of discrepancies; pilot study (n = 257); reliability and validity studies (n = 258; n = 874); and test-retest reliability study (n = 231). FINDINGS The PSAS-FR demonstrated good acceptability, high internal consistency of the global scale (Cronbach's α = 0.93), and each of the factors; along with good validity, and test-retest reliability. The receiver operating characteristic analysis suggested a satisfactory screening tool. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The PSAS-FR appears to be a valid and reliable tool to screen for postpartum anxieties in the French-speaking population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilliam Infante-Gil
- Psychopathology and Health Processes Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sergio A Silverio
- Department of Women & Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Victoria Fallon
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jaqueline Wendland
- Psychopathology and Health Processes Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Vivaldi Parent-Infant Mental Health Unit, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital - AP-HP, Paris, France
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18
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Green SM, Inness B, Furtado M, McCabe RE, Frey BN. Evaluation of an Augmented Cognitive Behavioural Group Therapy for Perinatal Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med 2021; 11:jcm11010209. [PMID: 35011950 PMCID: PMC8745906 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The perinatal period is considered a window of vulnerability given the increased risk of psychiatric difficulties during this time, such as mood and anxiety disorders (ADs). Pre-pandemic rates of ADs in perinatal women were one in five but have since increased with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID). In addition, recent research suggests that the focus of worry has shifted during the pandemic, with perinatal women reporting significantly more COVID-specific worries. The objective of this study was to augment our current evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Group Therapy (CBGT) for perinatal anxiety protocol by targeting intolerance of uncertainty and tailoring existing strategies to address COVID-related worry and impact. Pregnant (n = 19) and postpartum (n = 49) women were recruited from regular clinic patient flow from a university-affiliated teaching hospital between September 2020 and March 2021. Improvements in generalized anxiety symptoms, worry, intolerance of uncertainty, and mood were observed at post-treatment, maintained at 3-months, and the intervention received high ratings of treatment satisfaction. This is the first study to examine an augmented CBGT for perinatal women with GAD during the pandemic and supports the inclusion of strategies that target intolerance of uncertainty as well as specific pandemic and perinatal worry content for effective outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl M. Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; (R.E.M.); (B.N.F.)
- Women’s Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; (B.I.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-905-522-1155 (ext. 33672)
| | - Briar Inness
- Women’s Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; (B.I.); (M.F.)
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Melissa Furtado
- Women’s Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; (B.I.); (M.F.)
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Randi E. McCabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; (R.E.M.); (B.N.F.)
- Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Benicio N. Frey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; (R.E.M.); (B.N.F.)
- Women’s Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7, Canada; (B.I.); (M.F.)
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19
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Green SM, Furtado M, Inness BE, Frey BN, McCabe RE. Characterizing Worry Content and Impact in Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Anxiety Disorders During COVID-19. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:1144-1157. [PMID: 34931741 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The novel COVID pandemic has had a substantial impact on global mental health, including those populations that are inherently vulnerable such as pregnant and postpartum (perinatal) women. Anxiety disorders (ADs) are the most common mental health disorders during the perinatal period, affecting up to 1 in 5 women. However, since the onset of the pandemic, up to 60% of perinatal women are experiencing moderate to severe levels of anxiety. Given the substantial increase in perinatal anxiety during COVID, we sought to better understand its phenomenology by characterizing the collective worry content and impact of COVID using a content analysis. Eighty-four treatment-seeking pregnant (n = 35) and postpartum (n = 49) women with a principal AD, participated in this study between April and October 2020. In addition to completing questionnaire measures and a semi-structured diagnostic interview, participants were asked to 1) describe their top excessive and uncontrollable worries; 2) describe additional COVID and non-COVID worries; and 3) describe how the pandemic had affected their lives. All responses were given verbally and transcribed verbatim by assessors. A content analysis led to the emergence of various COVID and non-COVID worry and impact themes. One third of participant's principal worries were specific to COVID, and 40% of COVID worries were specific to the perinatal context. Understanding the worry content and impact of COVID may improve symptom detection and inform the development of targeted treatment strategies to support the mental health needs of perinatal women with ADs throughout the pandemic and thereafter. Understanding pandemic-specific worries is important for perinatal symptom screening and may allow for the development of targeted treatment strategies to address COVID-specific worries and impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl M Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melissa Furtado
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
| | - Briar E Inness
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
| | - Benicio N Frey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Randi E McCabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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20
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Furtado M, Frey BN, Green SM. Validation of the intolerance of uncertainty scale as a screening tool for perinatal anxiety. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:829. [PMID: 34903196 PMCID: PMC8670292 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04296-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, there is a significant lack of research validating clinical tools for early and accurate detection of anxiety disorders in perinatal populations. Intolerance of uncertainty was recently identified as a significant risk factor for postpartum anxiety symptoms and is a key trait of non-perinatal anxiety disorders. The present study aimed to validate the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS) in a perinatal population and evaluate its use as a screening tool for anxiety disorders. Methods Psychiatric diagnoses were assessed in a sample of perinatal women (n = 198), in addition to completing a self-report battery of questionnaires. Psychometric properties including internal consistency and convergent and discriminant validity were assessed. Determination of an optimal clinical cut-off score was measured through a ROC analysis in which the area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values were calculated. Results The IUS demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.95) and an optimal clinical cut-off score of 64 or greater was established, yielding a sensitivity of 89%. The IUS also demonstrated very good positive (79%) and negative (80%) predictive values. Conclusions These findings suggest that the IUS represents a clinically useful screening tool to be used as an aid for the early and accurate detection of perinatal anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Furtado
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Ontario, Hamilton, L8S 4L8, Canada. .,Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Level 1, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3K7, Canada.
| | - Benicio N Frey
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Level 1, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3K7, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Administration B3, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3K7, Canada.,Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Level 1, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Sheryl M Green
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Level 1, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3K7, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Administration B3, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3K7, Canada
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21
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Cristóbal-Cañadas D, Bonillo-Perales A, Casado-Belmonte MDP, Galera-Martínez R, Parrón-Carreño T. Mapping the Field in Stress, Anxiety, and Postpartum Depression in Mothers of Preterm Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8090730. [PMID: 34572162 PMCID: PMC8468620 DOI: 10.3390/children8090730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The main aim of this study was to describe and conduct a bibliometric analysis of the state of research on stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression in mothers of preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Background: Women affected by premature births are particularly exposed to mental health difficulties in the postpartum period. The desire to comprehend and the growing interest in research on stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression in mothers of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care have led to a substantial rise in the number of documents in this field over the last years. Thus, it makes it vital to regularly review the state of knowledge on this phenomenon in order to identify progress and constraints, to stimulate reflection, and to encourage progress in future research. Method: This study examined 366 articles published in the Scopus database (1976–2020). Keyword analysis was also used to identify hot research trends to be developed in future studies. This study complies with the PRISMA-Scr guidelines for quality improvement research in the EQUATOR network. Results: Our results reveal that research in this field is in a period of high production and allows this flourishing body of work to be organized into different periods, highlighting the most important themes. In such a way, our research enriches the lively field by presenting a comprehensive understanding of the field. Discussion: The key contribution of this study is the development of a conceptual map of research on stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression in mothers of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Bonillo-Perales
- Pediatric Department, Torrecárdenas University Hospital, 04009 Almería, Spain; (A.B.-P.); (R.G.-M.)
| | | | - Rafael Galera-Martínez
- Pediatric Department, Torrecárdenas University Hospital, 04009 Almería, Spain; (A.B.-P.); (R.G.-M.)
| | - Tesifón Parrón-Carreño
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain;
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22
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Ravaldi C, Wilson A, Ricca V, Homer C, Vannacci A. Pregnant women voice their concerns and birth expectations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Women Birth 2021; 34:335-343. [PMID: 32684343 PMCID: PMC7357495 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In March 2020, COVID-19 was declared to be a pandemic. While data suggests that COVID-19 is not associated with significant adverse health outcomes for pregnant women and newborns, the psychological impact on pregnant women is likely to be high. AIM The aim was to explore the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italian pregnant women, especially regarding concerns and birth expectations. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey of pregnant women in Italy was conducted. Responses were analysed for all women and segregated into two groups depending on previous experience of pregnancy loss. Analysis of open text responses examined expectations and concerns before and after the onset of the pandemic. FINDINGS Two hundred pregnant women responded to the first wave of the survey. Most (n=157, 78.5%) had other children and 100 (50.0%) had a previous history of perinatal loss. 'Joy' was the most prevalent emotion expressed before COVID-19 (126, 63.0% before vs 34, 17.0% after; p<0.05); fear was the most prevalent after (15, 7.5% before vs 98, 49.0% after; p<0.05). Positive constructs were prevalent before COVID-19, while negative ones were dominant after (p<0.05). Across the country, women were concerned about COVID-19 and a history of psychological disorders was significantly associated with higher concerns (p<0.05). A previous pregnancy loss did not influence women's concerns. CONCLUSIONS Women's expectations and concerns regarding childbirth changed significantly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Women with a history of psychological disorders need particular attention as they seem to experience higher levels of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ravaldi
- PeaRL Perinatal Research Laboratory, University of Florence; CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Prato, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Alyce Wilson
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Caroline Homer
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Alfredo Vannacci
- PeaRL Perinatal Research Laboratory, University of Florence; CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Prato, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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23
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The Indirect Effect of Parental Intolerance of Uncertainty on Perinatal Mental Health via Mindfulness During COVID-19. Mindfulness (N Y) 2021; 12:1999-2008. [PMID: 34093889 PMCID: PMC8171361 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-021-01657-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with mental health difficulties, especially during pregnancy and early postpartum. Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and reduced capacity for mindfulness-a protective factor for child-bearers-may be particularly relevant factors driving mental health problems given the unpredictable nature of the pandemic. The current study aims to shed light on modifiable paths to perinatal psychological distress by testing whether there is an indirect effect of IU on psychological symptoms through a perceived reduction in mindfulness during the pandemic. Methods Pregnant individuals (67%, n = 133) and new mothers within 6 months postpartum (33%, n = 66) participated in a cross-sectional online survey assessing IU, current and retrospective pre-pandemic mindfulness (FFMQ), and psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, somatization; BSI). Perceived change in mindfulness was captured by including retrospective mindfulness as a covariate in the PROCESS macro used for analyses. Results Tests of the direct association between mindfulness, IU, and psychological symptoms showed significant effects of IU (b = 0.46, SE = 0.064; p < .001) and perceived decrease in mindfulness during the pandemic (b = - 0.72, SE = 0.08, p < .001) on psychological symptoms (R 2 = .21-.34; F[2, 197] = 51.13-52.81, p < .001). The indirect effect of IU on symptoms via perceived decrease in mindfulness during the pandemic (b = 0.13, SE = 0.043, 95%CI [.060, .226]) was significant (R 2 = .41, F[3, 195] = 45.08, p < .001). Conclusions Results suggest that mothers who are less able to tolerate uncertainty experience more psychological symptoms, in part due to perceived reduction in mindfulness during the pandemic. Future research should examine whether IU is a screening risk marker and target for mindfulness-based interventions to improve maternal well-being and family outcomes.
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Anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and emotion regulation: A longitudinal study of pregnant women having given birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2021. [PMID: 37521945 PMCID: PMC9767388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2021.100225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of the present longitudinal study were to (i) understand the potential impacts of concern about the COVID-19 epidemic and containment measures (e.g. lockdown) on the psychological and emotional status of women during pregnancy and after childbirth, (ii) identify factors associated with these impacts, and (iii) to study the mothers' coping strategies and protective factors. Data were collected during pregnancy (timepoint 1, during France's first period of lockdown from April 6th to May 11th, 2020) and then one month after childbirth (timepoint 2). At timepoint 1, 90 women completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. At timepoint 2, 26 women completed the City Birth Trauma Scale, the Interpersonal Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. The relationship between social support and worry about the fetus/baby during the COVID-19 pandemic was statistically significant (Rho=- 0.21; p0.05). Worry about the fetus/baby was also significantly correlated with the anxiety score (Rho=0.60; p0.01) and the depression score (Rho= 0.37, p0.01). When the study population was compared with a control sample of new mothers having given birth outside the lockdown period, we observed differences in the prevalence of anxiety but not in the prevalence of postpartum PTSD. Lastly, the relationship between posttraumatic growth and emotion regulation was not significant (Rho=0.29, p = 0.16 for soothing; Rho=0.26, p = 0.20 for social modeling; Rho=0.28; p = 0.17 for perspective-taking; Rho=0.35; p = 0.08 for enhancing positive affect). In view of the sample size and the statistical tests, this study should be considered as exploratory. Our present results open up opportunities for further research and suggest that a possible impact of COVID-19 must be considered when evaluating potential psychological disorders in the perinatal period.
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Yang LL, Stiernborg M, Skott E, Söderström Å, Giacobini M, Lavebratt C. Proinflammatory mediators and their associations with medication and comorbid traits in children and adults with ADHD. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 41:118-131. [PMID: 33160793 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral immune activation can influence neurodevelopment and is increased in autism, but is less explored in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Patients with ADHD often display comorbid autism traits and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Plasma protein levels of two acute phase reactants, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA), and two endothelial adhesion molecules, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1), which share important roles in inflammation, were analyzed in 154 patients with ADHD and 61 healthy controls. Their associations with ADHD diagnosis, severity, medication and comorbid autistic symptoms, emotion dysregulation and GI symptoms were explored. The ADHD patients had increased levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 compared to healthy controls (p = 8.6e-05, p = 6.9e-07, respectively). In children with ADHD, the sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels were higher among those with ADHD medication than among children (p = 0.0037, p = 0.0053, respectively) and adults (p = 3.5e-09, p = 1.9e-09, respectively) without ADHD medication. Among the adult ADHD patients, higher sICAM-1 levels were associated with increased comorbid autistic symptoms in the domains attention to detail and imagination (p = 0.0081, p = 0.00028, respectively), and higher CRP levels were associated with more GI symptoms (p = 0.014). sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels were highly correlated with each other, and so were CRP and SAA levels. To conclude, vascular inflammatory activity may be overrepresented in ADHD, with elevated sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels and this may in children be a consequence of current ADHD medication, and in adults relate to increased comorbid autistic symptoms. Replication is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu L Yang
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Miranda Stiernborg
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elin Skott
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden; PRIMA Child and Adult Psychiatry, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - MaiBritt Giacobini
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; PRIMA Child and Adult Psychiatry, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Lavebratt
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Folliard KJ, Crozier K, Wadnerkar Kamble MM. "Crippling and unfamiliar": Analysing the concept of perinatal anxiety; definition, recognition and implications for psychological care provision for women during pregnancy and early motherhood. J Clin Nurs 2020; 29:4454-4468. [PMID: 32949080 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM To clarify how perinatal anxiety is characterised within the current evidence base and discuss how a clearer definition and understanding of this condition may contribute to improving care provision by midwives and other healthcare professionals. BACKGROUND Perinatal anxiety is common, occurs more frequently than depression and carries significant morbidity for mother and infant. The concept of perinatal anxiety is ill-defined; this can pose a barrier to understanding, identification and appropriate treatment of the condition. DESIGN Concept Analysis paper. METHOD Rodgers' Evolutionary Model of Concept Analysis, with review based on PRISMA principles (see Supplementary File-1). FINDINGS While somatic presentation of perinatal anxiety shares characteristics with general anxiety, anxiety is a unique condition within the context of the perinatal period. The precursors to perinatal anxiety are grounded in biopsychosocial factors and the sequelae can be significant for mother, foetus, newborn and older child. Due to the unique nature of perinatal anxiety, questions arise about presentation and diagnosis within the context of adjustment to motherhood, whether services meet women's needs and how midwives and other health professionals contribute to this. Most current evidence explores screening tools with little examination of the lived experience of perinatal anxiety. CONCLUSION Examination of the lived experience of perinatal anxiety is needed to address the gap in evidence and further understand this condition. Service provision should account for the unique nature of the perinatal period and be adapted to meet women's psychological needs at this time, even in cases of mild or moderate distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelda J Folliard
- Maternity Department, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK.,School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Kenda Crozier
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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Osnes RS, Eberhard-Gran M, Follestad T, Kallestad H, Morken G, Roaldset JO. Mid-pregnancy insomnia is associated with concurrent and postpartum maternal anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms: A prospective cohort study. J Affect Disord 2020; 266:319-326. [PMID: 32056894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.01.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many perinatal women are affected by anxiety, few studies have focused on perinatal anxiety and its potential triggers. The primary aim of this study was to examine concurrent and prospective associations between mid-pregnancy insomnia and perinatal anxiety. Furthermore, we compared psychosocial and reproductive characteristics between participants with and without mid-pregnancy insomnia and explored changes in the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms from mid-pregnancy to 8 weeks postpartum. METHODS This study was part of the Norwegian Depression and Anxiety in the Perinatal Period (DAPP) prospective, population-based, cohort study. We analyzed hospital birth records and questionnaire responses from pregnancy week 17 and postpartum week 8 (n = 530). The Bergen Insomnia Scale was used to measure insomnia and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist to measure anxiety. OCD symptoms were measured based on questions from the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. RESULTS Mid-pregnancy insomnia was significantly associated with both concurrent and postpartum anxiety in a linear mixed model adjusted for several potential confounders. Participants with mid-pregnancy insomnia had significantly higher levels of perinatal anxiety and postpartum OCD symptoms than participants with normal mid-pregnancy sleep. OCD symptoms affected more women after delivery than before (6.4% vs. 3.8% p = 0.034). LIMITATIONS Immigrants were underrepresented in our sample. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that mid-pregnancy insomnia is a marker for concurrent anxiety and predictor of postpartum anxiety. Future research should examine whether insomnia treatment starting in mid-pregnancy reduces both perinatal insomnia and anxiety. Health providers should also be aware that postpartum women have an increased risk of developing OCD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rannveig S Osnes
- Department of Psychiatry, Ålesund Hospital, Møre & Romsdal Health Trust, Ålesund, Norway; Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Malin Eberhard-Gran
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Lørenskog, Norway; Department of Infant Mental Health, Regional Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Turid Follestad
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Håvard Kallestad
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Østmarka Department of Psychiatry, St Olavs Hospital HF, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gunnar Morken
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Østmarka Department of Psychiatry, St Olavs Hospital HF, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - John Olav Roaldset
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Centre for Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Silverwood V, Nash A, Chew-Graham CA, Walsh-House J, Sumathipala A, Bartlam B, Kingstone T. Healthcare professionals' perspectives on identifying and managing perinatal anxiety: a qualitative study. Br J Gen Pract 2019; 69:e768-e776. [PMID: 31548296 PMCID: PMC6758931 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp19x706025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal mental health problems are those that occur during pregnancy or up to 12 months postpartum, and affect up to 20% of women. Perinatal anxiety (PNA) is at least as common as depression during the perinatal phase and can adversely impact on both mother and child. Despite this, research into anxiety has received less attention than depression. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance on perinatal mental health has identified PNA as a research priority. AIM To explore the perspectives and experiences of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the identification and management of PNA. DESIGN AND SETTING This was a qualitative study in primary and secondary care set in the West Midlands from February 2017 to December 2017. METHOD Semi-structured interviews (n = 23) with a range of HCPs. Iterative approach to data generation and analysis, using principles of constant comparison. Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) group was involved throughout the study. RESULTS Twenty-three HCPs interviewed: 10 GPs, seven midwives, five health visitors, and one obstetrician. Four themes were uncovered: PNA as an 'unfamiliar concept'; reliance on clinical intuition and not clinical tools; fragmentation of care; and opportunities to improve care. CONCLUSION Awareness and understanding of PNA among HCPs is variable, with debate over what is 'normal' anxiety in pregnancy. HCPs suggested that PNA can be challenging to identify, with mixed views on the use and value of case-finding tools. Opportunistic identification was noted to be significant to aid diagnosis. Care for women diagnosed with PNA was reported to be fragmented and interprofessional communication poor. Potential solutions to improve care were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Silverwood
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Staffordshire
| | - Annabel Nash
- Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, St George's Hospital, Stafford
| | - Carolyn A Chew-Graham
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Staffordshire; honorary professor of primary care mental health, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, St George's Hospital, Stafford
| | | | - Athula Sumathipala
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Staffordshire; honorary consultant psychiatrist, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, St George's Hospital, Stafford
| | - Bernadette Bartlam
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technical University, Singapore; honorary research fellow, School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Staffordshire
| | - Tom Kingstone
- School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Staffordshire; research associate in mental health, Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust, St George's Hospital, Stafford
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