A prospective longitudinal study of the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from childbirth events

Article


Alcorn, K. L., O'Donovan, A., Patrick, J. C., Creedy, D. and Devilly, G. J.. 2010. "A prospective longitudinal study of the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from childbirth events." Psychological Medicine. 40 (11), pp. 1849-1859. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291709992224
Article Title

A prospective longitudinal study of the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from childbirth events

ERA Journal ID6592
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsAlcorn, K. L. (Author), O'Donovan, A. (Author), Patrick, J. C. (Author), Creedy, D. (Author) and Devilly, G. J. (Author)
Journal TitlePsychological Medicine
Journal Citation40 (11), pp. 1849-1859
Number of Pages11
Year2010
PublisherCambridge University Press
Place of PublicationCambridge, United Kingdom
ISSN0033-2917
1469-8978
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291709992224
Abstract

Background: Childbirth has been linked to postpartum impairment. However, controversy exists regarding the onset and prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth, with seminal studies being limited by methodological issues. This longitudinal prospective study examined the prevalence of PTSD following childbirth in a large sample while controlling for pre-existing PTSD and affective symptomatology.
Method: Pregnant women in their third trimester were recruited over a 12-month period and interviewed to identify PTSD and anxiety and depressive symptoms during the last trimester of pregnancy, 4–6 weeks postpartum, 12 weeks postpartum and 24 weeks postpartum.
Results: Of the 1067 women approached, 933 were recruited into the study. In total, 866 (93%) were retained to 4–6 weeks, 826 (89%) were retained to 12 weeks and 776 (83%) were retained to 24 weeks. Results indicated that, uncontrolled, 3.6% of women met PTSD criteria at 4–6 weeks postpartum, 6.3% at 12 weeks postpartum and 5.8% at 24 weeks postpartum. When controlling for PTSD and partial PTSD due to previous traumatic events as well as clinically significant anxiety and depression during pregnancy, PTSD rates were less at 1.2% at 4–6 weeks, 3.1% at 12 weeks and 3.1% at 24 weeks postpartum.
Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate the occurrence of full criteria PTSD resulting from childbirth after controlling for pre-existing PTSD and partial PTSD and clinically significant depression and anxiety in pregnancy. The findings indicate that PTSD can result from a traumatic birth experience, though this is not the normative response.

Keywordschildbirth; prevalence; postnatal; trauma; depression
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020520502. Gender psychology
321599. Reproductive medicine not elsewhere classified
520105. Psychological methodology, design and analysis
Public Notes

© 2010 Cambridge University Press. This publication is copyright. It may be reproduced in whole or in part for the purposes of study, research, or review, but is subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgment of the source.

Byline AffiliationsGriffith University
Department of Psychology
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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