A pilot study of postnatal depression following caesarean section using two retrospective self-rating instruments.
In a retrospective comparison study of rates of postnatal depression using two self-rating instruments, a significantly higher incidence of postnatal depression was found among subjects who had undergone Caesarean section than in those who had a vaginal delivery. The excess of cases of postnatal depression among the Caesarean subjects appeared to consist of a milder illness which started sooner after delivery. Following Caesarean section, there was a significant association between postnatal depression and general, but not regional, anaesthesia.
Edwards
D R
DR
Postgraduate Medical Centre, Farnborough Hospital, Orpington, Kent, U.K.
Porter
S A
SA
Stein
G S
GS
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011594:Psychometrics; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors