The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on peripartum affective psychopathology. (1st June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pompili, S.; Orsolini, L.; Mauro, A.; Salvi, V.; Volpe, U.
• Is Part Of: European psychiatry. Volume 65:Supplement 1(2022)
• Page Start: S103
• Page End: S104
• Publication Date: 2022-06-01
• Subjects: postpartum depression -- Covid-19 -- peripartum -- woman mental health; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.295
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-9338

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Despite COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacting mental health, few studies evaluated effects on perinatal mental health. Objectives: Therefore, we aimed at assessing pregnant and puerperal women during first and second COVID-19 waves. Methods: 70 women (41 pregnant and 29 puerperal) consecutively afferent to our outpatient service for Perinatal Mental Health (March 2020-March 2021) were administered Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19-S), Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience questionnaire (WDEQ). Results: Women who reported last menstruation date (LMD) in 2019 second semester showed higher EPDS scores (p=0.026), those with estimated delivery date (EDD) in 2021 second semester showed higher CAS scores than those with EDD in 2020 first semester (p=0.020) or in 2021 first semester (p<0.001). Women with clinically significant EPDS Scores reported higher FCV-S-19 (p=0.005) and CAS (p=0.003). Subjects with a previous psychiatric hospitalization showed higher FCV-S-19 (p=0.003). A weak positive correlation (r=0, 290; R2=0, 084; p=0.015) has been observed between FCV-S-19 and EPDS. Furthermore, there was a strong positive correlation (r=0, 377; R2=0, 142; P=0.001) between CAS and EPDS and between CAS and FCV-S-19 (r=0, 641; R2=0.410; p<0.001). All subjects showed high scores for tocophobia after experiencing delivery. Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted pregnant and/or postpartum women also without a previous psychiatric condition. Early identification and screening tools should be routinely provided to all pregnant and postpartum women. Disclosure: No significant relationships.