Prenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms identifying predictors and psychosocial risks

Context The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated a profound negative impact on pregnant mothers with anxiety and depression. Many reported that the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in pregnancy or post partum can cause psychological reactions including, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance or panic disorder. Higher levels of dissociative symptoms, depressive and anxiety symptoms, a reduction in positive affectivity and an increase in negative affectivity have also been reported. Also, a study investigating depression and anxiety among pregnant women found significantly higher rates of depressive symptoms after the COVID-19 pandemic and concluded that healthcare providers should provide psychological support to pregnant women for safety. The increased understanding of prenatal depression and anxiety symptoms of patients will enable healthcare professionals to develop specific interventions to screen for psychological risks and improve positive healthcare outcomes.
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news