Postpartum depression in women with epilepsy: influence of antiepileptic drugs in a prospective study.
Patients with epilepsy are at high risk for major depressive disorder (MDD) and, according to one report, postpartum depression (PPD) as well. The study described here sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors for PPD among women with epilepsy. Fifty-six women with epilepsy participating in a prospective study of perinatal antiepileptic drug (AED) pharmacokinetics were included. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Fourteen participants (25.0%) had a postnatal BDI score > or =12 indicative of PPD. Logistic regression indicated that significant risk factors for PPD among women with epilepsy included multiparity (odds ratio=12.5) and AED polytherapy (odds ratio=9.3). The rate of PPD was unaffected by the use of specific AEDs. In conclusion, PPD rates are higher among women with epilepsy than the general population, particularly those who are multiparous or receiving AED polytherapy, and there is no evidence that AED selection modifies this risk.
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Melanie
M
Galanti
D Jeffrey
DJ
Newport
Page B
PB
Pennell
Denicia
D
Titchner
Melanee
M
Newman
Bettina T
BT
Knight
Zachary N
ZN
Stowe
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D000927:Anticonvulsants