Rebecca Pearson, PhD Lecturer in Psychiatric Epidemiology Centre for Academic Mental Health School of Social & Community Medicine University of Bristol

Young Pregnant Women More Likely To Be Depressed Than Their Mothers

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Rebecca Pearson, PhD Lecturer in Psychiatric Epidemiology Centre for Academic Mental Health School of Social & Community Medicine University of Bristol

Dr. Pearson

Rebecca Pearson, PhD
Lecturer in Psychiatric Epidemiology
Centre for Academic Mental Health
School of Social & Community Medicine
University of Bristol

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? 

Response: We know depression and anxiety are common in young women and during pregnancy when there are also implications for the developing child.

It is therefore important to investigate whether symptoms are rising given the pressures of modern life.

We found that compared to their mothers generation in the 1990s young pregnancy women today are more likely to be depressed. This was driven largely by symptoms of anxiety and feeling overwhelmed rather than feeling down. 

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Symptoms of depression and anxiety are common during pregnancy and may be rising. There is help available but more awareness and resources are needed.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: It is now essential to understand why women today may be more vulnerable. We have received funding from the ERC to follow up these new mothers to undrstand more how it may impact on the next generation.  

Citation:

Pearson RM, Carnegie RE, Cree C, et al. Prevalence of Prenatal Depression Symptoms Among 2 Generations of Pregnant MothersThe Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and ChildrenJAMA Network Open.2018;1(3):e180725. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.0725

 

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Last Updated on July 15, 2018 by Marie Benz MD FAAD