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Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and... Dec 2023Postpartum depression (PPD) is classified under postpartum psychiatric disorders and initiates soon after birthing, eliciting neuropsychological and behavioral deficits... (Review)
Review
Postpartum depression (PPD) is classified under postpartum psychiatric disorders and initiates soon after birthing, eliciting neuropsychological and behavioral deficits in mothers and offspring. Globally, PPD is estimated to be associated with 130-190 per 1000 birthing. The severity and incidences of PPD have aggravated in the recent years due to the several unfavorable environmental and geopolitical circumstances. The purpose of this systematic review hence is to explore the contributions of recent circumstances on the pathogenesis and incidence of PPD. The search, selection and retrieval of the articles published during the last three years were systematically performed. The results from the primary studies indicate that unfavorable contemporary socio-geopolitical and environmental circumstances (e.g. Covid-19 pandemic, political conflicts/wars, and natural calamities; such as floods and earthquakes) detrimentally affect PPD etiology. A combination of socio-economic and psychological factors, including perceived lack of support and anxiousness about the future may contribute to drastic aggravation of PPD incidences. Finally, we outline some of the potential treatment regimens (e.g. inter-personal psycho- and art-based therapies) that may prove to be effective in amelioration of PPD-linked symptoms in birthing women, either alone or in complementation with traditional pharmacological interventions. We propose these psychological and art-based intervention strategies may beneficially counteract the negative influences of the unfortunate recent events across multiple cultures, societies and geographical regions.
Topics: Female; Humans; Depression, Postpartum; Pandemics; Incidence; Postpartum Period; Mothers; Risk Factors; Natural Disasters
PubMed: 38050938
DOI: 10.1080/0167482X.2023.2278016 -
Brain and Behavior Dec 2023In recent years, light therapy has been tried for the treatment of depression and sleep in pregnancy or postnatal period women, but the results have been inconclusive.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
In recent years, light therapy has been tried for the treatment of depression and sleep in pregnancy or postnatal period women, but the results have been inconclusive. This meta-analysis is the first to systematically review the effects of light therapy on depression and sleep disturbances in women during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
METHODS
We searched for randomized controlled studies in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biomedical Database up to January 2023. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to assess the efficacy of the outcome indicators.
RESULTS
Eight studies were eventually included in the analysis. The results showed that light therapy was more effective than the placebo group in terms of depression (SMD = .34, CI = .08-.61) and sleep (SMD = .64,95%CI = .28-1.00). Subgroup analysis could not explain the significant heterogeneity. There were no serious adverse effects in either the light therapy or placebo groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Light therapy could be considered an effective treatment for depression and sleep disturbances in women during pregnancy and the postnatal period. However, future high-quality trials with larger sample sizes are still needed.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Depression; Phototherapy; Sleep Wake Disorders; Postpartum Period; Sleep
PubMed: 38031199
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3339 -
Psychiatry Research Jan 2024Major depressive disorder (MDD) and postpartum depression (PPD) are common and burdensome conditions. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of zuranolone,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and postpartum depression (PPD) are common and burdensome conditions. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of zuranolone, a neuroactive steroid γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors-positive allosteric modulator, in treating MDD and PPD. A comprehensive literature search was conducted until September 2023, identifying seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The results demonstrated that zuranolone significantly decreased Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) scores in patients with PPD or MDD at day 15 (concluding the 14-day course) and day 42-45 (4 weeks after treatment cessation) compared with the placebo, albeit exhibiting a diminishing trend. Moreover, a higher percentage of patients with PPD or MDD achieved HAM-D response and remission with zuranolone treatment compared with placebo at day 15. However, zuranolone did not significantly increase the proportion of MDD patients achieving HAM-D remission at 42/43 days. Adverse events (AEs) such as somnolence, dizziness, and sedation were linked to zuranolone, with a higher but not statistically significant rate of discontinuation due to AEs in the zuranolone group. Overall, our findings support the rapid antidepressant effects of zuranolone in MDD and PPD, along with a relatively favorable safety and tolerability. Large-scale longitudinal RCTs are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of zuranolone.
Topics: Female; Humans; Depression; Antidepressive Agents; Pregnanolone; Depressive Disorder, Major; Treatment Outcome; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 38029628
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115640 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2023Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent mental health condition affecting women globally within the first year following childbirth. Substance use during pregnancy...
INTRODUCTION
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent mental health condition affecting women globally within the first year following childbirth. Substance use during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of developing PPD, but the evidence remains inconclusive. This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively assess the effects of different substances on PPD risk, exploring potential modifiers and confounding factors.
OBJECTIVES
To examine the proportion of PPD among substance users during pregnancy, compared to non-users, and investigate the specific risk associated with different substances (tobacco, alcohol, and non-specified substance use/multiple substance use).
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted from inception to November 2022 using the Web of Science database (Clarivate Analytics), incorporating Web of Science Core Collection, the BIOSIS Citation Index, the KCI-Korean Journal Database, MEDLINE, the Russian Science Citation Index, the SciELO Citation Index, and the Cochrane Central Register of Reviews, and Ovid/PsycINFO databases. Inclusion criteria comprised original studies with pregnant women, using validated depression scales and substance use reporting.
RESULTS
Among the 26 included studies, encompassing 514,441 women, the pooled prevalence of PPD among substance users during pregnancy was 29% (95% CI 25-33). Meta-analyzes revealed an overall odds ratio (OR) of 3.67 (95% CI 2.31-5.85, < 0.01) indicating a significantly higher risk of PPD among substance users compared to non-users. Subgroup analyzes demonstrated a higher risk for women with non-specified or multiple substance use (OR 4.67, 95% CI 2.59-8.41; < 0.01) and tobacco use (OR 4.01, 95% CI 2.23-7.20; < 0.01). Alcohol use showed a trend toward higher risk that did not reach statistical significance (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.00-3.55; = 0.051).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis provides evidence of an increased risk of PPD among pregnant substance users, particularly those using multiple substances or tobacco. However, caution is needed in interpreting the association with alcohol use due to its non-significant result.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
This study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (registration number: CCRD42022375500).
PubMed: 38025481
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1264998 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Mar 2024Depression and anxiety are significant contributors to maternal perinatal morbidity and a range of negative child outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Depression and anxiety are significant contributors to maternal perinatal morbidity and a range of negative child outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to review and assess the diagnostic test accuracy of selected screening tools (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS], EPDS-3A, Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]-, PHQ-2, Matthey Generic Mood Question [MGMQ], Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-7], GAD-2, and the Whooley questions) used to identify women with antenatal depression or anxiety in Western countries.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
On January 16, 2023, we searched 10 databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, CRD Database, Embase, Epistemonikos, International HTA Database, KSR Evidence, Ovid MEDLINE, PROSPERO and PsycINFO); the references of included studies were also screened. We included studies of any design that compared case-identification with a relevant screening tool to the outcome of a diagnostic interview based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth or fifth edition (DSM-IV or DSM-5), or the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision (ICD-10). Diagnoses of interest were major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. Two authors independently screened abstracts and full-texts for relevance and evaluated the risk of bias using QUADAS-2. Data extraction was performed by one person and checked by another team member for accuracy. For synthesis, a bivariate model was used. The certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42021236333.
RESULTS
We screened 8276 records for eligibility and included 16 original articles reporting on diagnostic test accuracy: 12 for the EPDS, one article each for the GAD-2, MGMQ, PHQ-9, PHQ-2, and Whooley questions, and no articles for the EPDS-3A or GAD-7. Most of the studies had moderate to high risk of bias. Ten of the EPDS articles provided data for synthesis at cutoffs ≥10 to ≥14 for diagnosing major depressive disorder. Cutoff ≥10 gave the optimal combined sensitivity (0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75-0.90) and specificity (0.87, 95% CI: 0.79-0.92).
CONCLUSIONS
Findings from the meta-analysis suggest that the EPDS alone is not perfectly suitable for detection of major depressive disorder during pregnancy. Few studies have evaluated the other instruments, therefore, their usefulness for identification of women with depression and anxiety during pregnancy remains very uncertain. At present, case-identification with any tool may best serve as a complement to a broader dialogue between healthcare professionals and their patients.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Depressive Disorder, Major; Depression; Mass Screening; Anxiety Disorders; Anxiety; Depression, Postpartum
PubMed: 38014572
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14734 -
Nursing Reports (Pavia, Italy) Nov 2023Postpartum depression (PPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continue to be prevalent, and disabling women with mental disorders and obstetric violence (OV) may... (Review)
Review
Postpartum depression (PPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continue to be prevalent, and disabling women with mental disorders and obstetric violence (OV) may be a trigger for them, particularly during maternity. We aimed to analyze the association between manifestations of OV with the development of PPD and PTSD during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. This systematic review was based on the PRISMA 2020 statement and explored original articles published between 2012 and 2022. A total of 21 articles were included in the analysis, and bias was assessed by the Effective Public Health Practice Project's Quality Assessment Tool. The highest rate of PPD symptoms appeared in women under 20 years old, multiparous, and with low education levels. The higher PTSD ratio was present in women under 35 years, primiparous, and with secondary studies. The mode of labor (instrumental or C-section) was identified as a major risk factor of PPD, being mediator variables of the informal coercion of health professionals and dissatisfaction with newborn healthcare. Instead, partner support during labor and high satisfaction with healthcare during birth were protective factors. Regarding PTSD, the mode of labor, several perineal tears, and the Kristeller technique were risk factors, and loss of autonomy and coercion modulated PTSD symptomatology. The protective factors for PTSD were respect for the labor plan, adequate communication with health professionals, social support during labor, and the skin-to-skin procedure. This systematic review provides evidence that OV contributes to PPD and PTSD, being important in developing standardized tools to prevent it. This study recommends changes in maternal healthcare policies, such as individualized healthcare assistance, humanized pregnancy protocols, and women's mental health follow-up, and improvements in the methodological quality of future research.
PubMed: 37987409
DOI: 10.3390/nursrep13040130 -
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica Nov 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to synthesize the available evidence and determine the overall brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to synthesize the available evidence and determine the overall brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in individuals diagnosed with perinatal depression (PND).
METHODS
We performed a thorough search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, from their start until April 30, 2023. Our search strategy involved using specific keywords and medical subject headings (MeSH) terms related to BDNF, perinatal, post-partum, and antepartum depression. In the meta-analysis, we employed a random-effects model, and subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate any variations in the results.
RESULTS
A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 10 were used in the quantitative analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in BDNF levels in both individuals with antepartum depression (SMD: -0.31; 95% CI: -0.48 to -0.13; p-value = 0.0008; I = 71%), and post-partum depression (SMD: -0.61; 95% CI: -0.99 to -0.22; p-value = 0.0002 I = 77%). Furthermore, a significantly higher rate of PND among individuals in the lowest BDNF quartile (OR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.01 to 6.89; p-value = 0.05; I = 90%) was seen. The results of subgroup analyses showed a statistically significant effect of the depression assessment tool on overall heterogeneity between studies.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence of lower BDNF protein levels in individuals diagnosed with PND. The results indicate that BDNF dysregulation may play a part in the development of PND. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this and explore potential therapeutic applications.
PubMed: 37974390
DOI: 10.1111/acps.13632 -
BMC Women's Health Nov 2023To provide a comprehensive, systematic evaluation of the literature on experiences of psychological interventions for postpartum depression (PPD) in women. Depression is...
BACKGROUND
To provide a comprehensive, systematic evaluation of the literature on experiences of psychological interventions for postpartum depression (PPD) in women. Depression is one of the most common postpartum mental disorders. Studies have identified that psychological interventions reduce depressive symptoms. However, less is known about the experiences of women who have received such treatments.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was conducted by searching five databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO), in August 2022. Studies with qualitative methodology examining women's experiences of professional treatment for PPD were included and checked for methodological quality. Eight studies (total N = 255) contributed to the findings, which were synthesized using thematic synthesis. Confidence in the synthesized evidence was assessed with GRADE CERQual.
FINDINGS
The women had received cognitive behavioral therapy (5 studies) or supportive home visits (3 studies). Treatments were individual or group-based. Two main themes were identified: Circumstances and expectations, and Experiences of treatment, with six descriptive themes. Establishing a good relationship to their health professional was important for the women, regardless of treatment model. They also expressed that they wanted to be able to choose the type and format of treatment. The women were satisfied with the support and treatment received and expressed that their emotional well-being had been improved as well as the relationship to their infant.
CONCLUSION
The findings can be helpful to develop and tailor patient-centered care for women who are experiencing postnatal depression.
Topics: Female; Humans; Depression, Postpartum; Psychosocial Intervention; Health Personnel; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
PubMed: 37964250
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02772-8 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Jun 2023Kangaroo mother care (KMC) intervention involves skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant. Some studies have shown a decrease in postpartum depression (PPD) in...
BACKGROUND
Kangaroo mother care (KMC) intervention involves skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant. Some studies have shown a decrease in postpartum depression (PPD) in mothers of preterm and low birth weight (LBW) infants. However, the literature is scattered and of variable quality.
AIMS
To conduct a systematic review of available literature and provide a comprehensive picture of the effect of KMC on PPD among mothers of preterm and LBW infants.
METHODS
The study was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Guidelines. After PROSPERO registration, a systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Central Library, and Google Scholar from the inception of the databases till 14 June 2021. Of the 2944 studies assessed for titles and abstracts, nine studies with 2042 participants were included in the review. Included articles targeted mothers with LBW (<2500 g) or preterm infants (<37 weeks), used an authentic PPD tool, and had standard care or an incubator as the control group. Studies not published in English and in which mothers had a previous psychiatric illness were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized control trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. All the results were converted to standard mean deviation and pooled together using a random-effects model with a 95% CI. A -value of less than 0.05 is considered significant.
RESULTS
KMC Intervention was significantly associated with a lower depression score than control groups. The reduction in depression in the intervention (KMC) group was moderate: SMD=-0.38 (-0.68 to -0.08; 95% CI; =86%; =0.013). No significant difference was found between the PPD scores of both groups using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale score.
CONCLUSIONS
The authors conclude that the negative effects of LBW and preterm birth experience on maternal mental health can be avoided to a moderate degree by KMC. Due to a lack of methodological uniformity, different scales for outcome measurement, and discrepancies in intervention features, significantly high heterogeneity was detected. The authors need further larger-scale studies with a uniform study design to better predict the efficacy of KMC better.
PubMed: 37941566
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000000480 -
PloS One 2023The postpartum period is critical for maternal health status after childbirth. The traditional Chinese postpartum confinement practice, "doing-the-month", is considered...
BACKGROUND
The postpartum period is critical for maternal health status after childbirth. The traditional Chinese postpartum confinement practice, "doing-the-month", is considered especially effective in helping mothers recover during the postpartum period. However, research has not provided evidence to confirm its benefits. Postpartum depression is a common postpartum disease that seriously threatens maternal health. The systematic review aims to explore the association between "doing-the-month" and postpartum depression in the Chinese female population and to provide a scientific foundation for evidence-based postpartum maternal care.
METHODS
Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) were searched according to the protocol (INPALSY202320102). The JBI assessment tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies.
RESULTS
Sixteen quantitative studies from China and Chinese female immigrants in other countries, including 15 cross-sectional studies and 1 randomized controlled study, were identified. Four studies indicated that "doing-the-month" rituals reduced postpartum depression risk while 2 studies showed opposite results; 10 studies did not show a significant association between "doing-the-month" practices and postpartum depression.
CONCLUSION
There is conflicting evidence regarding the association between "doing-the-month" and the likelihood of developing postpartum depression. Some studies have explored the impact of family ties, particular rituals, and specific stressors during the postpartum period on the occurrence of postpartum depression in Chinese women. According to current research, "doing-the-month" practice failed to show a significant protective effect on postpartum depression in the Chinese maternal population. Evidence-based medical health education for the Chinese postpartum female community is urgently needed.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression, Postpartum; East Asian People; Mothers; Postpartum Period; Postnatal Care
PubMed: 37903136
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293667