Psychological Characteristics of Women with Perinatal Depression Who Require Psychiatric Support during Pregnancy or Postpartum: A Cross-Sectional Study

Grazia Terrone, Emanuela Bianciardi (), Andrea Fontana, Carolina Pinci, Giulia Castellani, Irene Sferra, Anna Forastiere, Mattia Merlo, Elicio Marinucci, Fiamma Rinaldi, Marina Falanga, Daniela Pucci, Alberto Siracusano and Cinzia Niolu
Additional contact information
Grazia Terrone: Department of History, Cultural Heritage, Education and Society, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Emanuela Bianciardi: Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Andrea Fontana: Department of Human Sciences, Lumsa University of Rome, 00193 Rome, Italy
Carolina Pinci: Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Giulia Castellani: Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Irene Sferra: Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Anna Forastiere: Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Mattia Merlo: Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Elicio Marinucci: Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Fiamma Rinaldi: Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Marina Falanga: Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Daniela Pucci: Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addictions (DSMDP), ASL ROMA 5, 00019 Tivoli (Rome), Italy
Alberto Siracusano: Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Cinzia Niolu: Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 8, 1-15

Abstract: Antenatal depression may be distinct from postpartum depression in terms of prevalence, severity of symptoms, comorbidities, prognosis, and risk factors. Although risk factors for perinatal depression have been identified, it is unclear whether there are differences in the onset of perinatal depression (PND). This study explored the characteristics of women requiring mental health support during pregnancy or postpartum. A sample of 170 women (58% in pregnancy; 42% postpartum) who contacted the SOS-MAMMA outpatient clinic was recruited. Clinical data sheets and self-report questionnaires (EPDS, LTE-Q, BIG FIVE; ECR; BSQ; STICSA) were administered, hypothesizing possible risk factors, such as personality traits, stressful life events, body dissatisfaction, attachment style, and anxiety. Hierarchical regression models were carried out in the pregnancy (F 10;36 = 8.075, p < 0.001, adjR2 = 0.877) and postpartum groups (F 10;38 = 3.082, p < 0.05, adjR2 = 0.809). Recent stressful life events and conscientiousness were associated with depression in both the pregnant (29.3%, 25.5% of variance) and postpartum groups (23.8%, 20.7% of variance). In pregnant women, “openness” (11.6%), body dissatisfaction (10.2%), and anxiety (7.1%) symptoms were predictive of depression. In the postpartum group, “neuroticism” (13.8%) and insecure romantic attachment dimensions (13.4%; 9.2%) were the strongest predictors. Perinatal psychological interventions should consider the differences between mothers with depression during pregnancy and postpartum.

Keywords: perinatal depression; body dissatisfaction; attachment style; personality traits; women health; anxiety; stressful life event (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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