Risk of Maternal Depression From 1 Year to 4 Years Postpartum in Yvelines

Overview

This observational study aims to estimate the prevalence of women from 1 to 4 years postpartum in Yvelines, who are suspected to suffer from postpartum depression, using the Edinburg Post natal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Heath Questionnaire 2 (PHQ2) and evaluate the factors that could be linked to it.

The majority of studies and literature on maternal psychology focus on mothers of infants and newborns. The psychological experience of mothers with older children is still yet to be one of the subjects covered in the research on maternal psychology. Postpartum depression characterizes itself in a depressive episode without psychotic characteristics, where symptoms appear in the year following delivery. These symptoms reach their peak between 3 and 6 weeks postpartum. The diagnosis of postpartum depression is made by health professionals with the help of questionnaires such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) or the Patient Health Questionnaire 2 (PHQ2). According to the last national perinatal survey from Santé Publique France (Edition 2021), the rate of women having postpartum depression was estimated at 16.7%. In France, the current psychological follow-up exam for women after giving birth includes a postnatal interview which is systematically offered between the 4th and the 8th week after delivery. It can be followed by another interview between the 10th and 14th week postpartum if judged necessary by the healthcare provider. It can also be offered by request. Currently, there are no screening consultations for postpartum depression beyond the 14th week postpartum. Health care professionals are trained to be vigilant in the 1st year postpartum but not beyond this time frame. A multicentric Australian study based on 1,507 women described the prevalence of maternal depression from early pregnancy to 4 years postpartum. It also covered the risk factors for depressive symptoms at 4 years postpartum. The study concluded that maternal depression is more common at 4 years postpartum than at any time in the first 12 months postpartum. The prevalence of depressive symptoms at 4 years postpartum was 14.5% which was higher than at any time-point in the first 12 months post partum. Currently, no French study focuses on the number of women suffering from maternal depression beyond 12 months postpartum. This study aims to assess the prevalence of women 1 to 4 years postpartum who are suspected to have maternal depression and its linked factors. Depression in one's lifetime can lead to negative consequences on a mother's psychological health and her quality of life, as well as her children's health. The impact on children can include physical or mental developmental delay, regressed cognitive or language development, and general infant health issues. Thus, if this study shows a significant risk for women to develop delayed maternal depression, extending a psychological follow-up exam of women beyond the 1st year postpartum could be necessary. Moreover, screening and treating these women could limit the consequences on their children's development and well-being.

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