Abstract

GUERRA, Ana María; DAVALOS-PEREZ, Diana María  and  CASTILLO-MARTINEZ, Alejandro. Depressive Symptoms and Psychosocial Risk Factors in High Complexity Obstetric Patients Admitted to a Critical Care Obstetric Unit in Cali,Colombia. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2017, vol.46, n.4, pp.215-221. ISSN 0034-7450.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcp.2016.09.002.

Depression is the main cause of years lossed due to disability in the world, and it affects 50% more women 50% than men. Perinatal depression has been linked with more anxiety, a chronic course, and disability than depression in other life stages. In spite of its high prevalence and serious health effects on both mother and foetus, it is frequently under-diagnosed. This study was performed on all high risk obstetric patients admitted to a critical care obstetric unit in Cali, Colombia, from January to June, 2014. Depressive symptoms and psychosocial risk factors were screened by means of a survey and the Edinburgh Prenatal Depression Scale (EPDS). A total of 695 women were included, of whom 30.2% had depressive symptoms on the EPDS, and 3.6% reported having self-injury thoughts in the last 7 days. Our findings are consistent with previous reports on a history of child abuse and family depression as risk factors. It was also suggested that lower socio-economic status is associated with more vulnerability. Early screening is needed to ensure timely detection and treatment.

Keywords : Depression; Perinatal; Screening.

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