title: Validity of somatic symptoms as indicators of depression in pregnancy.
abstract: Somatic symptoms (e.g., fatigue, appetite changes, and sleep disruption) are common to both pregnancy and depression. The goal of the present study was to examine the validity of somatic symptoms as indicators of depression during pregnancy. The Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms (IDAS) was administered to a cross-sectional sample of 255 pregnant women as well as 820 women from five community-based samples, who served as a control group. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate the fit of a single-factor model of depression in pregnant and community samples. Multigroup CFA was used to test the invariance of the factor loadings of eight depression-related symptom scales. The fit for a one-factor model was adequate for both the pregnant and community samples. All eight IDAS scales were valuable indicators of depression in the community group; however, Appetite Loss and Appetite Gain were poor indicators of depression among the pregnant women. The factor loadings for Lassitude and Appetite Gain were significantly weaker amongst the pregnant women than community women. The magnitude of the factor loadings for Insomnia and Well Being were significantly greater for the pregnant group. With the exception of appetite disturbance, somatic symptoms, though a common occurrence during pregnancy, are valid indicators of depression during pregnancy. When assessing for prenatal depression, somatic symptoms should not necessarily be dismissed as normative pregnancy experiences.
authors: Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, 921 S. 8th Avenue, Stop 8112, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA. nylekimb@isu.edu
authors: Kimberly J
authors: KJ
authors: Nylen
authors: J Austin
authors: JA
authors: Williamson
authors: Michael W
authors: MW
authors: O'Hara
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Watson
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: Engeldinger
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005221:Fatigue / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011247:Pregnancy; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult