Persistence of anxiety symptoms after elective caesarean delivery. Issue 5 (17th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Janssen, Anna B.; Savory, Katrina A.; Garay, Samantha M.; Sumption, Lorna; Watkins, William; Garcia-Martin, Isabel; Savory, Nicola A.; Ridgway, Anouk; Isles, Anthony R.; Penketh, Richard; Jones, Ian R.; John, Rosalind M.
• Is Part Of: BJPsych open. Volume 4:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 354
• Page End: 360
• Publication Date: 2018-08-17
• Subjects: Perinatal psychiatry, -- anxiety disorders, -- elective caesarean; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental health -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2018.48
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-4724

Abstract

Abstract : Background: In the UK, 11.8% of expectant mothers undergo an elective caesarean section (ELCS) representing 92 000 births per annum. It is not known to what extent this procedure has an impact on mental well-being in the longer term. Aims: To determine the prevalence and postpartum progression of anxiety and depression symptoms in women undergoing ELCS in Wales. Method: Prevalence of depression and anxiety were determined in women at University Hospital Wales (2015–16; n = 308) through completion of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; ≥13) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI; ≥40) questionnaires 1 day prior to ELCS, and three postpartum time points for 1 year. Maternal characteristics were determined from questionnaires and, where possible, confirmed from National Health Service maternity records. Results: Using these criteria the prevalence of reported depression symptoms was 14.3% (95% CI 10.9–18.3) 1 day prior to ELCS, 8.0% (95% CI 4.2–12.5) within 1 week, 8.7% (95% CI 4.2–13.8) at 10 weeks and 12.4% (95% CI 6.4–18.4) 1 year postpartum. Prevalence of reported anxiety symptoms was 27.3% (95% CI 22.5–32.4), 21.7% (95% CI 15.8–28.0), 25.3% (95% CI 18.5–32.7) and 35.1% (95% CI 26.3–44.2) at these same stages. Prenatal anxiety was not resolved after ELCS more than 1 year after delivery. Conclusions: Women undergoing ELCS experience prolonged anxiety postpartum that merits focused clinical attention. Declaration of interest: None.