Screening for Depression and Anxiety in Pregnant and Postpartum Women: Evaluating Prevalence, Risk Factors, and the Stepped Screening Protocol in a Care Pathway

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Total Enrollment

378 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2018-11-20

Study Completion Date

2020-07-30

Brief Summary

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Having a baby is a major life event, and for some women, it can increase the risk of developing mental health issues. A recent survey in the UK found that one in five women experience mental health problems during pregnancy or after giving birth. Unfortunately, many of these problems go unnoticed without regular check-ups, and only one in ten women receive the support they need. Regular mental health screenings can help detect these problems early, ensuring women receive the right care and support.

The study at UZ Gent aims to improve how depression and anxiety are detected in pregnant and postpartum women by using a perinatal screening protocol. This protocol involves screening women for psychosocial risks around the 16th week of pregnancy, which is done by a midwife. Further screenings take place during the second trimester (around 20 weeks) and again six weeks after birth, using questionnaires to assess for depression and anxiety (Whooley, EPDS, GAD-2, GAD-7).

If the assessment of risk factors or the screening for depression and anxiety is positive, further assessment and treatment are offered at the women\'s clinic. A positive screening may lead to a recommendation for a diagnostic interview, such as a semi-structured interview (M.I.N.I.), with a psychiatrist, general practitioner, or psychologist to assess for possible depression or anxiety disorders. If needed, appropriate treatment will be provided.

The study will explore how common depression and anxiety are during and after pregnancy, what factors increase the risk, and whether the screening process improves early detection and treatment. The ultimate goal is to help more women get the mental health support they need during this critical time.

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Detailed Description

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Conditions

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Depression, Postpartum Puerperal Disorders Depression During Pregnancy Anxiety Anxiety Disorder/Anxiety State Stress, Psychological Risk Factors

Study Design

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Observational Model Type

COHORT

Study Time Perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Study Groups

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women in the perinatal period, from pregnancy until 6-8 weeks postpartum

women from pregnancy until 6-8 weeks postpartum with and without mental health problems

integrated perinatal mental health pathway

Intervention Type OTHER

This observational study examines whether assessing psychosocial risk factors and screening for depression and anxiety at different time points during the perinatal period, using a stepped protocol, helps to more quickly detect women with depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Interventions

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integrated perinatal mental health pathway

This observational study examines whether assessing psychosocial risk factors and screening for depression and anxiety at different time points during the perinatal period, using a stepped protocol, helps to more quickly detect women with depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Pregnant women aged ≥ 18 years, receiving regular care follow-up in a university hospital

Exclusion Criteria

* Non-Dutch speakers were excluded. Additionally, no data were collected from women in the vulnerable care pathway, which provides psychosocial support to those facing barriers in employment, income, housing, education, and healthcare. This group includes teenage mothers (under 18), women with intellectual disabilities, new immigrants, refugees, homeless women, and those with severe psychiatric or addiction issues referred by their psychiatrist or GP.

Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

FEMALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes