Study Documents Unexpected Links In Timing, Severity Of Maternal Depression Symptoms

The New York Times (2/3, Belluck) “Well” blog reports that a study published in the January issue of The Lancet Psychiatry “has documented unexpected links in the timing and severity of symptoms of maternal depression, which could help mothers and doctors better anticipate and treat the condition.” After following some “8,200 women from 19 centers in seven countries,” researchers found that in women “with the severest symptoms — suicidal thoughts, panic, frequent crying — depression most often began during pregnancy, not after giving birth, as is often assumed.” Women with moderate depression, however, “often developed their symptoms postpartum, and were more likely than severely depressed women to have experienced complications during pregnancy like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes or hypertension.”

Related Links:

— “Maternal Depression Often Starts Before Giving Birth, Study Says,” Pam Belluck, New York Times, February 2, 2015.

Posted in In The News.