Prevention of postpartum depression by psychological interventions during pregnancy
ZHANG Ying1, ZOU Shubo2, WANG Hongyan2, CONG Lianhua2, WANG Yan1
1.Psychology Department, 2.Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Jilin Provincial Corps Hospital, Chinese People’s Armed Police Forces, Changchun 130052,China
Abstract:Objective To explore the preventive effect of psychological intervention during pregnancy on postpartum depression (PPD).Methods Three hundred pregnant women who received prenatal care and delivered in our hospital were selected. The observation group(150 cases) received general pregnancy health care plus volunteer psychological intervention, involving health promotion, psychological counseling, prenatal psychological guidance and knowledge related to the prevention of depression during the 28-40 weeks of pregnancy. All these cases had complete information. The control group(150 cases) was given general pregnancy health care without psychological intervention.All the subjects were assessed with the American Psychiatric Association(APA) Manual on Diagnosis and Statistics of Mental Illness,and the Edinburgh postpartum depression scoring system(EPDS).Meanwhile,a self-designed questionnaire survey was conducted among puerperas before statistical analysis was finished.Results The incidence of PPD (0.67%)in the observation group was lower than that of control group(5.33%).There was statistically significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05). The case was the same with maternal complications, childbirth complications, conjugal relationships, prenatal psychological preparation, delivery mode, depression-related knowledge, and fear of childbirth (P<0.05).Conclusions Psychological interventions during pregnancy can reduce the risk factors for PPD so that early prevention of the onset of PPD is possible.
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