Christine Potkul

The results of a recent study show that persistent postnatal depression (PND) lasting 6 months or longer can have severe implications on child development.

, included 9848 women whose average age was 28.5 years at delivery, and 8287 children comprising 4227 boys and 4060 girls. Data were collected throughout different periods of the childrens’ development, from preschool to late adolescence, using the self-rated Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). PND was identified as persistent when the EPDS score was higher than the 3 threshold levels—moderate, marked, or severe&mdash;at both 2 and 8 months after childbirth.

The findings concluded that PND lasting 6 months or greater, compared with episodes that did not persist, may have negative effects on a child’s development. Persistent and severe depression increase the risk for behavioral problems at 3.5 years of age, achieving lower mathematics grades at 16 years of age, and developing depression at 18 years of age. Patients at risk of maternal depression require treatment to protect their mental health and their children’s development.

“We know postnatal depression is commonly affecting approximately 1 in 10 women,” said study authors Elena Netsi BSc, MSc, DPhil, and Alan Stein, FRCPsych, in a statement. “Our study highlights that screening both early and late in the postnatal year can help identify women whose depression persists. This should alert health care professionals to women whose depression may become chronic, and such women should be prioritized for treatment.”

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The results of a recent study show that persistent postnatal depression lasting 6 months or longer can have severe implications on child development.

Persistent and Severe Postnatal Depression Increase Children's Risk of Development Issues

The results of a recent UK study reveal that psychological distress, whether considered low or moderate, can increase a patient’s risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arthritis, and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The study, published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, examined the association between psychological distress and socioeconomic position for diabetes, arthritis, COPD, and CVD. The research team gathered data from 16,485 adults and considered each patient’s health habits that would affect risk and their variations based on socioeconomic status.

The study controlled for age, sex, body mass index, baseline disease, and social support. Using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), at baseline, patients self-reported their experience with the 4 disorders over the past 3 years. The patients were then divided by socioeconomic position, based on occupation, using the Registrar General’s Social Class.

Psychological Distress Increases Risk for Chronic Diseases

, examined the association between psychological distress and socioeconomic position for diabetes, arthritis, COPD, and CVD. The research team gathered data from 16,485 adults and considered each patient’s health habits that would affect risk and their variations based on socioeconomic status.

The researchers found that there was a dose-response pattern of psychological distress linked with significantly increased risk for COPD, CVD, and arthritis. Patients who scored 7 or higher on the GHQ were said to be at greater risk for COPD (odds ratio [OR], 3.25; 95% CI, 1.47-7.18), CVD (OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.89-4.98), and arthritis (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.58-2.13). Additionally, smoking status, exercise, and eating habits also affected this association. 

The results of a recent UK study reveal that psychological distress, whether considered low or moderate, can increase a patient’s risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.

Psychological Distress and Socioeconomic Status Increase Risk for Chronic Diseases

Patients with HIV have a high likelihood of developing depression related to their diagnosis, according to the results of a recent study. Uncertain what actions to take, many of these patients do not seek medical care and go without proper therapy.

, examined the association between the length of time a patient remains depressed and care outcomes among 5927 HIV-positive adult patients. Participants took multiple depressive severity assessments that were translated into a measurement of percent of days with depression. The results showed that patients spend a median of 14% of their days with depression.

According to the study, each 25% increase in the amount of days spent with depression resulted in an 8% increase in the risk of missed appointments, a 5% increase in the risk of treatment failure, and a 19% increase in mortality. Patients experiencing depression for the duration of the follow-up period had a 37% greater risk of missing appointments, a 23% increased risk of treatment failure, and a mortality rate 2 times higher than patients who never spent time depressed.

These study findings show that patients with HIV who develop depression are more susceptible to worse health outcomes than their counterparts without depression. Health care providers need to accurately identify depression in these patients through regular screenings and provide them with an individualized treatment that works for them.

Patients with HIV have a high likelihood of developing depression related to their diagnosis, according to a recent study., and many of them do not seek medical care.