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- Henriksson, Hanna E., 1988-
(author)
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Seasonal aspects of peripartum depressive symptoms
- 2019
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Every year, a large proportion of pregnant and newly delivered women develop peripartum depression, a condition that may cause long-term suffering for the entire family. Although there is a lack of consensus, some studies propose an association between season and the risk of developing depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Furthermore, the immune system, which undergoes numerous structural changes during pregnancy, has been suggested to exhibit seasonal variations. In addition, discrepancies in metabolic profiles have been reported between women with and without depression after childbirth. This thesis aimed to investigate seasonal aspects of peripartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) and biological markers during the peripartum period. The data mainly derived from the prospective population-based Biology, Affect, Stress, Imaging, and Cognition (BASIC) study, but data were also included from the longitudinal population-based Uppsala-Athens (UPPSAT) study. The presence of depressive symptoms was primarily assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). There were no consistent associations between season, meteorological parameters, air pollen count, and PPDS. Moreover, a number of inflammatory markers were identified as having seasonal variations among samples from pregnant women. On the contrary, only one marker had a seasonal pattern during the early postpartum period. Furthermore, metabolic profiles were not discriminatory between pregnant women with and without depressive symptoms. However, when divided into summer and winter childbirths, discrepancies were identified in metabolic profiles between summer cases and controls, as well as between summer and winter controls. In summary, the studies included in this thesis suggest that season, specifically, is not associated with PPDS. However, season may have a moderating effect on the association between depressive symptoms and the metabolic profile of pregnant women. In addition, the seasonal variations appears more prominent among inflammatory markers during late pregnancy, compared with the early postpartum period. These findings suggest that women need equal attention in clinical care regardless of the season during which they give birth. Future studies on biological aspects of PPDS and immune-associated conditions are encouraged to also assess seasonality.
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- Iliadis, Stavros I, 1983-, et al.
(author)
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Personality and risk for postpartum depressive symptoms
- 2015
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In: Archives of Women's Mental Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1434-1816 .- 1435-1102. ; 18:3, s. 539-546
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common childbirth complication, affecting 10-15 % of newly delivered mothers. This study aims to assess the association between personality factors and PPD. All pregnant women during the period September 2009 to September 2010, undergoing a routine ultrasound at Uppsala University Hospital, were invited to participate in the BASIC study, a prospective study designed to investigate maternal well-being. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) while the Depression Self-Rating Scale (DSRS) was used as a diagnostic tool for major depression. Personality traits were evaluated using the Swedish Universities Scale of Personality (SSP). One thousand thirty-seven non-depressed pregnant women were included in the study. Non-depressed women reporting high levels of neuroticism in late pregnancy were at high risk of developing postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDSs) at 6 weeks and 6 months after delivery, even after adjustment for confounders (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.4, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.8-6.5 and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.9, 95 % CI 1.9-7.9). The same was true for a DSRS-based diagnosis of major depression at 6 months postpartum. Somatic trait anxiety and psychic trait anxiety were associated with increased risk for PPDS at 6 weeks (aOR = 2.1, 95 % CI 1.2-3.5 and aOR = 1.9, 95 % CI 1.1-3.1), while high scores of mistrust were associated with a twofold increased risk for PPDS at 6 months postpartum (aOR 1.9, 95 % CI 1.1-3.4). Non-depressed pregnant women with high neuroticism scores have an almost fourfold increased risk to develop depressive symptoms postpartum, and the association remains robust even after controlling for most known confounders. Clinically, this could be of importance for health care professionals working with pregnant and newly delivered women.
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- Cato, Karin, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Antenatal depressive symptoms and early initiation of breastfeeding in association with exclusive breastfeeding six weeks postpartum : a longitudinal population-based study
- 2019
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In: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2393 .- 1471-2393. ; 19
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundDepressive symptoms negatively impact on breastfeeding duration, whereas early breastfeeding initiation after birth enhances the chances for a longer breastfeeding period. Our aim was to investigate the interplay between depressive symptoms during pregnancy and late initiation of the first breastfeeding session and their effect on exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum.MethodsIn a longitudinal study design, web-questionnaires including demographic data, breastfeeding information and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were completed by 1217 women at pregnancy weeks 17–20, 32 and/or at six weeks postpartum. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to estimate the effect of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the timing of the first breastfeeding session on exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum.ResultsExclusive breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum was reported by 77% of the women. Depressive symptoms during pregnancy (EPDS> 13); (OR:1.93 [1.28–2.91]) and not accomplishing the first breastfeeding session within two hours after birth (OR: 2.61 [1.80–3.78]), were both associated with not exclusively breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum after adjusting for identified confounders. Τhe combined exposure to depressive symptoms in pregnancy and late breastfeeding initiation was associated with an almost 4-fold increased odds of not exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum.ConclusionsWomen reporting depressive symptoms during pregnancy seem to be more vulnerable to the consequences of a postponed first breastfeeding session on exclusive breastfeeding duration. Consequently, women experiencing depressive symptoms may benefit from targeted breastfeeding support during the first hours after birth.
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- Cato, Karin, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Breastfeeding as a balancing act - Pregnant Swedish women's voices on breastfeeding
- 2020
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In: International Breastfeeding Journal. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1746-4358. ; 15:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Breastfeeding provides health benefits to both women and children. The rationale behind an individual woman's decision to breastfeed or not can depend on several factors, either independently or in combination. The aim of the current study was to explore attitudes towards breastfeeding among pregnant women in Sweden who intend to breastfeed. Methods: Eleven mothers-to-be, one of whom had previous breastfeeding experience, participated in the study. The women were interviewed either by telephone or face-to-face during late pregnancy, with the aim of exploring their attitudes towards breastfeeding. A semi-structured interview-guide was used, and the transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The social ecological model of health is the theory-based framework underpinning this study. The model provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the factors that influence breastfeeding intention. Results: When interviewed during pregnancy, women described breastfeeding as a balancing act between societal norms and personal desires. The women perceived a societal pressure to breastfeed, however it was accompanied by boundaries and mixed messages. This perceived pressure was balanced by their own knowledge of breastfeeding, in particular their knowledge of other women's experience of breastfeeding. When envisioning their future breastfeeding, the women made uncertain and preliminary plans, and negotiated the benefits and drawbacks of breastfeeding. There was a wish for individual breastfeeding support and information. Conclusions: Pregnant Swedish women perceive their future breastfeeding as a balancing act between societal norms and personal desires. These findings suggest that while discussing breastfeeding during pregnancy, it could be of interest to collect information from pregnant women on their knowledge of breastfeeding and from where they have gained this knowledge, since stories from family and friends may make them question their own capacity to breastfeed. A thorough review of the woman's experiences and attitudes of breastfeeding is important in order to offer the best evidence-based breastfeeding support.
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- Cato, Karin, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Risk factors for exclusive breastfeeding lasting less than two months-Identifying women in need of targeted breastfeeding support
- 2017
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In: PLOS ONE. - : PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE. - 1932-6203. ; 12:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Breastfeeding rates in Sweden are declining, and it is important to identify women at risk for early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding lasting less than two months postpartum.Methods: A population-based longitudinal study was conducted at Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden. Six hundred and seventy-nine women were included in this sub-study. Questionnaires were sent at five days, six weeks and six months postpartum, including questions on breastfeeding initiation and duration as well as several other background variables. The main outcome measure was exclusive breastfeeding lasting less than two months postpartum. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used in order to calculate adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI).Results: Seventy-seven percent of the women reported exclusive breastfeeding at two months postpartum. The following variables in the multivariate regression analysis were independently associated with exclusive breastfeeding lasting less than two months postpartum: being a first time mother (AOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.32 +/- 3.49), reporting emotional distress during pregnancy (AOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.35 +/- 3.62) and giving birth by cesarean section (AOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.34 +/- 5.17).Conclusions: Factors associated with shorter exclusive breastfeeding duration were determined. Identification of women experiencing emotional distress during pregnancy, as well as scrutiny of caregiving routines on cesarean section need to be addressed, in order to give individual targeted breastfeeding support and promote longer breastfeeding duration.
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- Comasco, Erika, et al.
(author)
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Postpartum depression symptoms : a case-control study on monoaminergic functional polymorphisms and environmental stressors
- 2011
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In: Psychiatric Genetics. - 0955-8829 .- 1473-5873. ; 21:1, s. 19-28
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE:Postpartum depression (PPD) is an under diagnosed and under treated mood disorder, with negative impact on both the mother and the infant's health. The aim of this study is to examine whether genetic variations in the monoaminergic neurotransmitter system, together with environmental stressors, contribute to the development of PPD symptoms.METHODS:This nested case-control study included 275 women from a population-based cohort of delivering women in Sweden. A questionnaire containing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was collected at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Three functional polymorphisms were genotyped, catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)-ValMet, monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)-upstream variable number tandem repeat (uVNTR) and serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5HTT-LPR). Stressful life events, maternity stressors and previous psychiatric contact were considered as potential risk factors.RESULTS:COMT-ValMet was significantly associated with PPD symptoms at 6 weeks, but not at 6 months postpartum. A significant gene-gene interaction effect was present between COMT-ValMet and MAOA-uVNTR. In a gene-environment multivariate model, COMT-ValMet, psychiatric contact and maternity stressors were significantly associated with PPD symptoms. Among those with history of psychiatric problems, the COMT-ValMet and 5HTT-LPR risk variants were associated with PPD symptoms, whereas in the absence of previous psychiatric contact only maternity stressors were related to PPD symptoms.CONCLUSION:The interaction effect between monoaminergic genes and environmental stressors is likely to contribute to vulnerability for PPD. The different patterns of association according to history of psychiatric problems, if replicated, might be helpful in screening strategies.
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- Henriksson, Hanna E., et al.
(author)
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Meteorological parameters and air pollen count in association with self-reported peripartum depressive symptoms
- 2018
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In: European psychiatry. - : ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER. - 0924-9338 .- 1778-3585. ; 54, s. 10-18
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Meteorological parameters and air pollen count have been associated with affective disorders and suicide. Regarding peripartum depression, the literature is restricted and inconclusive.Methods: This cross-sectional study included women (pregnant, n = 3843; postpartum, n = 3757) who participated in the BASIC (Biology, Affect, Stress, Imaging, and Cognition) study 2010-2015 and the UPPSAT (Uppsala-Athens) study (postpartum, n = 1565) in 2006-2007. Cases were defined according to presence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy (gestational week 32) and 6 weeks postpartum, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Exposure of sunshine, temperature, precipitation, snow coverage, and air pollen counts of durations of 1, 7, and 42 days prior to the outcome were studied for associations with depressive symptoms, using negative binomial regression.Results: Prior to Bonferroni correction, the concentration of mugwort pollen, both one week and six weeks before the EPDS assessment at gestational week 32, was inversely associated with depressive symptoms in pregnancy, both before and after adjustment for season. No associations were found between the exposure to meteorological parameters and pollen and depressive symptoms, at the same day of depressive symptoms' assessment, the previous week, or the six weeks prior to assessment, either during pregnancy or postpartum after Bonferroni correction.Conclusions: There was no evidence that neither short-term nor long-term exposure to meteorological parameters or air pollen counts were associated with self-reported peripartum depressive symptoms in Uppsala, Sweden.
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- Henriksson, Hanna E., et al.
(author)
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Seasonal patterns in self-reported peripartum depressive symptoms
- 2017
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In: European psychiatry. - : Cambridge University Press (CUP). - 0924-9338 .- 1778-3585. ; 43, s. 99-108
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In the peripartum period, the literature on seasonality in depression is still scarce and studies present varying findings. The aims of this study were to investigate whether seasonal patterns in postpartum depressive symptoms previously identified in a Swedish study could be replicated in a larger study, as well as to assess seasonal patterns in depressive symptoms during pregnancy.Methods: This was a nested case-control study comprised of 4129 women who participated in the BASIC project and gave birth at Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden, between February 2010 and December 2015.Results: Women who gave birth in October-December 2011 had an increased odds of depressive symptoms at 6 weeks postpartum, when compared with women giving birth in April-June 2011 (aOR = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.12-5.26). The same pattern was found among women with a history of depression. No other seasonal patterns for depressive symptoms during pregnancy or at 6 weeks postpartum were identified.Conclusions: In general, no consistent seasonal patterns were found in peripartum depressive symptoms. Whether the seasonal patterns found in some studies during certain years may be due to other factors relating to specific years and seasons, such as extreme climatic conditions or other particular events, warrants further investigation.
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- Iliadis, Stavros I, 1983-, et al.
(author)
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1843 – Depression in the peripartum period in association with salivary cortisol levels
- 2013
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In: European psychiatry. - : Elsevier. - 0924-9338 .- 1778-3585. ; 28:Supplement 1, s. 1-1
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- IntroductionThe Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA axis) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many affective disorders. Peripartum depression is a condition that includes depressive episodes occurring during pregnancy and the postpartum period. During uncomplicated pregnancy, mean cortisol levels rise substantially, mostly due to high levels of corticotropin releasing hormone produced by the placenta (p-CRH). The latter also suppresses hypothalamic CRH, leading to hypo-cortisolemia after partus. Cortisol concentration is usually normalised within two weeks after delivery. Failure of the above process results in continuing hypo-cortisolemia, which might increase susceptibility to PPD.Objectives/aimsThe current study aims to investigate the relationship between evening salivary cortisol levels and depression during the peripartum period.MethodsThree hundred and forty six pregnant women were asked to participate in the study. They completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State version (STAI-S) at the 36th week of pregnancy and the 6th week after delivery. At both times, study subjects were also asked to collect evening salivary samples by using a mail-delivered kit. Moreover, they were interviewed at the 36th week of pregnancy using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).ResultsPreliminary results indicate significantly higher evening salivary cortisol levels in depressed women during late pregnancy compared to healthy controls. No difference in cortisol levels was found between women with postpartum depression and healthy controls.ConclusionsOur study results support the hypothesis that depression during pregnancy resembles melancholic depression characterized by hyperactivity of the HPA-axis and hyper-cortisolemia.
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