The risk for nonpsychotic postpartum mood and anxiety disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appears to be the largest pandemic of our times. The aim was to recognize the risk factors for nonpsychotic postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (NPMADs) in women during the pandemic and state of emergency police lockdown in Serbia. Methods We assessed 108 postpartum women who completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and an additional survey constructed for this study. We also used the additional, previously mentioned survey, in 67 healthy age-matched women with children who were ≥2 years of age. The additional survey allowed us to gain insight into the impact of the pandemic as well as postpartum period on the risk of NPMADs. Results In 16 (14.8%) subjects we found a score ≥10 on EPDS. Higher rates on the EPDS were noticed in elderly, single, and unemployed, women who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, or women who were dissatisfied with their household income (p < 0.05). The risk of NPMADs was linked significantly to quarantine, and social isolation, the absence of social support, as well as having emotional problems. Postpartum women, compared to non-postpartum women, were more anxious and had feelings of helplessness during social isolation. Conclusion Understanding the factors that increase the risk of NPMADs during the pandemic could help prevent mental disorders during a possible future pandemic.

When the Bough Breaks: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of mental health symptoms in mothers of young children during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…As reported in the PRISMA flow diagram (see Figure 1 ), our search yielded 1627 non‐duplicate records, of which 133 full‐text articles were retrieved and evaluated against inclusion criteria. A total of 18 non‐overlapping studies met full inclusion criteria (Cameron et al., 2020 ; Chaves et al., 2021 ; Fallon et al., 2021 ; Hamadani et al., 2020 ; Harrison et al., 2021 ; Loret de Mola et al., 2021 ; Molgora & Accordini, 2020 ; Oskovi‐Kaplan et al., 2020 ; Ostacoli et al., 2020 ; Pariente et al., 2020 ; Silverman et al., 2020 ; Spinola et al., 2020 ; Stojanov et al., 2020 ; Suhariati et al., 2020 ; Sun et al., 2020 ; Suzuki, 2020 ; Zanardo et al., 2020 ; Zanardo et al., 2021 ).…”

When the Bough Breaks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Mental Health Symptoms in Mothers of Young Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…As reported in the PRISMA flow diagram (see Figure 1), our search yielded 1627 nonduplicate records, of which 133 full-text articles were retrieved and evaluated against inclusion criteria. A total of 18 non-overlapping studies met full inclusion criteria (Cameron et al, 2020;Chaves et al, 2021;Fallon et al, 2021;Hamadani et al, 2020;Harrison et al, 2021;Loret de Mola et al, 2021;Molgora & Accordini, 2020;Oskovi-Kaplan et al, 2020;Ostacoli et al, 2020;Pariente et al, 2020;Silverman et al, 2020;Spinola et al, 2020;Stojanov et al, 2020;Suhariati et al, 2020;Sun et al, 2020;Suzuki, 2020;Zanardo et al, 2020;Zanardo et al, 2021).…”

Narrative review: COVID-19 and pediatric anxiety

“…The prevalence of anxiety disorders has been found to be around 10% in postpartum women, and the prevalence of anxiety symptoms is 15% ( Molgora and Accordini, 2020 ). Compared to non-postpartum women, they felt more anxious and helpless ( Stojanov et al, 2020 ). New mothers can express feelings of inadequacy, which can damage their mental health and attachment to the newborn ( Schwank et al, 2020 ; Molgora and Accordini, 2020 ).…”