scholarly journals Perinatal depression screening using smartphone technology: Exploring uptake, engagement and future directions for the MGH Perinatal Depression Scale (MGHPDS)

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257065
Author(s):  
Rachel Vanderkruik ◽  
Edwin Raffi ◽  
Marlene P. Freeman ◽  
Rebecca Wales ◽  
Lee Cohen

Women may experience new-onset or worsening depressive disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum. If untreated, there may be detrimental consequences to the health and wellbeing of the woman and to her baby. There is a need for improved tools and approaches that can be easily and broadly implemented to effectively detect depression during the perinatal period. Early identification of depression during pregnancy is an important first step towards connecting women to treatment and preventing continued depression into the postpartum or beyond. This report provides preliminary findings from a pilot study of a digital screening app for perinatal depression expiring potential for app reach, engagement, and user demographics and mental health symptoms. With mainly passive recruitment efforts, we collected cross-sectional mental health data on over 700 women during the perinatal period, including women across over 30 countries. We report on mean depression scores among women during pregnancy and the postpartum as well as on constructs that are commonly comorbid with depression, including anxiety, sleep dysregulation, and perceived stress. Over half of the women during pregnancy and over 70% of women in the postpartum had a depression score indicative of clinical depression. Future research directions for this work and potential for public health impact are discussed, including longitudinal data collection and analyses of symptomology over time and embedding evidence-based digital therapeutics into the app as a means to increase access to mental health services.

Author(s):  
Ruth D Neill ◽  
Carolyn Blair ◽  
Paul Best ◽  
Emily McGlinchey ◽  
Cherie Armour

Abstract Aim As individuals adjust to new ‘norms’ and ways of living during the COVID-19 lockdown, there is a continuing need for up-to-date information and guidance. Evidence suggests that frequent media exposure is related to a higher prevalence of mental health problems, especially anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to determine whether COVID-19 related media consumption is associated with changes in mental health outcomes. Methods This paper presents baseline data from the COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study. The cross-sectional study data was collected using an online survey following the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), with some other basic information collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the influence of socio-demographic and media specific factors on anxiety and depression. Results The study suggested that media usage is statistically significantly associated with anxiety and depression on the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales with excessive media exposure related to higher anxiety and depression scores. Conclusion This study indicated that higher media consumption was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. Worldwide it should be acknowledged that excessive media consumption, particularly social media relating to COVID-19, can have an effect on mental health. However, as this was a cross-sectional study we cannot infer any directionality as we cannot infer cause and effect; therefore, future research involving longitudinal data collection and analyses of variables over time is warranted.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 155798831983121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naila A. Shaheen ◽  
Yousra AlAtiq ◽  
Abin Thomas ◽  
Hussam Ali Alanazi ◽  
Ziad E. AlZahrani ◽  
...  

Paternal postnatal depression (PPND) is not a commonly recognized phenomenon. The aim of the study was to identify the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) cutoff for Saudi fathers, to estimate PPND prevalence and to determine the risk factors of PPND among fathers of newborn in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study of fathers with babies born up to 6 months prior to the survey was conducted. Fathers were screened using EPDS and demographic questionnaire. The fathers were selected using systematic random sampling from visitors to the birth registration office. A subsample of participants from the postnatal wards in a tertiary care was invited for additional evaluation by a psychologist using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for major depressive disorders. Receiver operating characteristic curve was utilized to identify fathers with depression; a cutoff of 8/9 was optimal to achieve sensitivity 77.8% and specificity 81.3%. Adjusted prevalence of PPND was reported with corresponding Wilson 95% confidence interval. Two hundred and ninety fathers completed the EPDS and demographic questionnaire. Of 72 invited participants, 57 (79.16%) attended the diagnostic interview. The average age of fathers was 34.97 ± 8.56 years, the average maternal age was 29.18 ± 7.41 years, average age of the newborn was 43.13 ± 35.88 days. PPND adjusted prevalence was 16.6% (95% CI [8.5, 25.6]). Paternal mental health needs equal attention during and postdelivery of newborn. Fathers should receive perinatal and postnatal mental health assessment to prevent behavioral problems in their children and disruption of relationship with their spouse.


Author(s):  
Vinita H. Belsare ◽  
Sarika C. Munghate ◽  
Sanjay Agrawal ◽  
Hrishikesh Belsare

Introduction: Sleep deprivation causes serious health hazards. Anxiety and depression are common correlates found. There had been direct correlation with sleep quality and academic performances. Objectives: To determine the effect of sleep on the mental health i.e.  anxiety and depression among the first year medical students and also to see the effect of sleep, anxiety and depression on academic performance. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at Medical college, Questionnaire was asked regarding the time to fall asleep and duration of sleep. Hamilton’s anxiety scale and Hamilton’s depression scale was applied to the study group. Results: Mild anxiety (83%) is common than the depression (20%) in study group which may be the result of academic stress. The study also demonstrate severity of anxiety and depression goes hand in hand. The result also shows, depression and anxiety have indirect relationships with the duration of sleep that is as sleep hours decreases the anxiety, and depression score increases. The anxiety and the depression score were higher in the students who’s timing to sleep was after midnight, but the difference was not statistically significant as compared to the students who’s timing to sleep was before midnight. The study finding related to sleep and the academic score was not significant. Conclusion: Bed time may not affect the mental health but the duration of sleep is important to reduce the level of anxiety and depression. Duration of sleep may not affect the academic performance, but sound and adequate sleep is important for the mental health which may ultimately affect the academic performance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (18) ◽  
pp. 4164
Author(s):  
Laure Nicolet ◽  
Amir Moayedoddin ◽  
Joel Djatché Miafo ◽  
Daniel Nzebou ◽  
Beat Stoll ◽  
...  

Background: Perinatal depression is defined as a non-psychotic depressive episode occurring during pregnancy or during the first year following childbirth. This depressive disorder is highly prevalent among teenage women but there is a lack of data in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to provide baseline data on the sociodemographic characteristics of pregnant teenagers or teenage mothers in an urban zone in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Risk factors were assessed, and prevalence of depressive disorders was determined. Methods: Women aged 20 years old or less in the perinatal period were invited to participate in the study. A total of 1344 women participated in the four-stage data collection process involving a questionnaire including questions on sociodemographic background, an assessment of their risk of perinatal depression using the EPDS questionnaire (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), a clinical interview based on the DSM 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), and a final section focusing on risk factors of perinatal depression. Results: The EPDS score was obtained for 1307 women. The prevalence of depressive disorder symptoms among teenage or young pregnant women is estimated to be 70.0%. This risk is significantly increased by different factors including unintended or unplanned pregnancy (aOR: 1.33, 1.14–1.56 CI95%), being separated or single (aOR: 1.34, 1.12–1.60 CI95%), experiencing depression and anxiety before childbirth (aOR: 1.50, 1.02–2.27 CI95%), abortion experience (aOR: 2.60, 1.03–7.14 CI95%) and domestic violence (aOR: 1.76, 1.12–2.83 CI95%). Conclusion: The results of this study reveal a high prevalence of depressive disorder symptoms within the study population. These findings highlight the need to develop maternal care programs to support both mothers and their infants.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ousman Bajinka

Following childbirth, with a psychosis and associated mood disturbance, Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) is studied to be a severe mental health condition. PPP affects 1 to 2 per 1000 women among the psychiatric emergency. To curb this severe disorder, acute clinical intervention is warranted. Maternal mental health problems with a focus on depression as the condition with the biggest public health impact should be the way forward. This review is set to look into the risk factors, prevention and management of PPP. Both the acute onset and recurrence of psychiatric illness are common during the perinatal period as women are more vulnerable during this period. Timely detection and effective management of perinatal psychiatric disorders are critical for managing PPP. Part of the management strategies for women who experience PPP is to seek guidance on further pregnancies and risk of illness. Since PPP is a disturbing complication of childbirth that carries high risks for both mother and child, if one is at high risk of developing puerperal psychosis, there is the need for a specialist care during pregnancy and be seen by a psychiatrist.


2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (01n02) ◽  
pp. 33-48
Author(s):  
DANIEL W. L. LAI ◽  
CONITA K. C. IP

This study examines the differences in mental health between older men and women. A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted with a representative sample of 504 older adults aged 55 years and older. Mental health was measured by a revised Chinese version of the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Mental Component Summary (MCS) of a Chinese version of SF-36. Mental health differences between men and women were not identified, but gender was found to have an effect on mental health in the 54 to 64 age group, when being a female predicted a poorer status of mental health. The poorer financial status of women was the reason for the gender effect. Mental health predictors for men and women were also compared. The findings concluded that interventions to strengthen financial assistance for aging women were important for enhancing mental health. 這研究對五百零四名五十五歲或以上的長者進行電話調查。結果發現男、女長者精神健康差別在五十五至六十四歲的組別中顯示,較差的經濟狀況是影響女性精神健康的因素。比較男、女精神健康指標的結果顯示,經濟援助對強化女性精神健康的重要性。.


2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 430-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarojini Naidoo ◽  
Steven Collings

Suicidality is a growing mental health problem, with statistics for South Africa being in line with global estimates. There has, however, been relatively little empirical advancement in the conceptualization of suicidal behaviour in recent years. Joiner’s interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behaviour is a relatively new theory that appears to hold promise for advancing our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie suicidal behaviour. The theory proposes that people die by suicide because they want to and because they can. This study sought to test two key hypotheses of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behaviour using a cross-sectional design and a sample of 239 mental health outpatients. Consistent with theoretical predictions, levels of suicidal ideation were significantly predicted by the interactive effects of high levels of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness in the presence of high levels of hopelessness in relation to both of these distressing states; with estimates of risk for suicide being most strongly predicted by the interactive effects of suicide ideation and an acquired capability for suicide. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for theory, practice, and future research.


Author(s):  
Amir Hossein Goudarzian ◽  
Hamid Sharif Nia ◽  
Heydar Tavakoli ◽  
Mohammad Ali Soleimani ◽  
Ameneh Yaghoobzadeh ◽  
...  

Cardiac depression is one of the most common psychological reactions of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiac depression and its related factors among patients with ACS. This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2016 in patients with ACS who were admitted to hospitals affiliated to the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. In the present study, 407 patients completed the Cardiac Depression Scale (CDS) within two months (March - June). The data were analyzed by a chi-square test and a general linear model multivariate analysis. According to the results, the mean cardiac depression score in patients with ACS was 109.00 ± 16.49 (CI95: 107.39 to 110.60). Among the participants, 37 (9.1%), 72 (17.7%), and 298 (73.2%) patients had mild, moderate, and severe levels of depression, respectively. Although the two-way ANOVA was not significant, but there was a difference between cardiac depression score of a type of ACS. Given the high prevalence of cardiac depression among these patients, it is necessary to develop measures for routine screening in cardiac treatment units.


Author(s):  
Genesis Chorwe-Sungani

Background: Psychological well-being of nurses is crucial for them to effectively discharge their duties. However, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related anxiety can interfere with nurses’ performance and reduce their self-efficacy.Aim: The primary aim of this study was to assess COVID-19-related anxiety and functional impairment amongst nurses in Malawi. The secondary aim of the study was to determine reliability and validity of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale.Setting: The study was conducted in Malawi.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that collected quantitative data from 102 nurses in Malawi online. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and receiver operating curve analysis.Results: This study found that 25.5% (26) of respondents had COVID-19-related anxiety and 48% (49) functional impairment. There were significant differences in the numbers of respondents who had functional impairment in relation to workplace (Χ2 = 8.7, p = 0.03), with many of those working in hospitals (58.6%, n = 34) having highest levels (mean = 20.6 ± 10.4). The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale proved to be an effective instrument (Sensitivity = 73.1%; Specificity = 60.5%; area under the curve = 0.73) for assessing COVID-19-related anxiety amongst nurses.Conclusion: It is necessary to screen nurses for COVID-19-related anxiety and functional impairment and provide them effective psychosocial interventions. Policymakers should place more emphasis on allocation of financial resources to mental health services and staff support programmes targeting nurses during pandemics. There is a need to conduct future research on mental health interventions that might be used to assist nurses with COVID-19-related anxiety and functional impairment.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luxsiya Waraan ◽  
Erling W. Rognli ◽  
Nikolai Olavi Czajkowski ◽  
Marianne Aalberg ◽  
Lars Mehlum

Abstract Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a disabling mood disorder, profoundly affecting a large number of adolescent’s quality of life. To date, no obvious treatment of choice for MDD in adolescents is available and progress in the treatment of depressed adolescents will have important public health implications. Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), as the only empirically supported family therapy model designed to treat adolescent depression, aims to repair interpersonal ruptures and rebuild an emotionally protective parent-child relationship. Objective: To study the effectiveness of ABFT compared with treatment as usual (TAU) delivered within child- and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to adolescents with MDD.Method: Sixty adolescents (86.7% girls), aged 13-18 years (M = 14.9, SD = 1.35), with MDD referred to two CAMHS were randomized to 16 weeks of ABFT or TAU. ABFT consisted of weekly therapy sessions (family/individual or both) according to the treatment manual. TAU was not monitored. Primary outcomes were assessed by blinded evaluators at baseline and post-treatment with the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Self-reported (Beck Depression Inventory-II, BDI-II) depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline, and after 4, 6, 8, 10,12, 14, and 16 weeks. Analyses were performed according to intent-to-treat principles. Results: At post-treatment, clinician-rated remission rates on the HAMD (5 % in ABFT and 3.33% in TAU, p =1, OR=1.54, Fisher’s exact test) and self-reported symptoms of depression on the BDI-II did not differ significantly between groups (X2[2, N = 60] =0.06 , p = 0.97). In both treatment groups participants reported significantly reduced depressive symptoms, but the majority (63.3 %) of adolescents were still in the clinical range after 16 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: ABFT was not superior to TAU. Remission and response rates were low in both groups, suggesting none of the treatments were effective in treating MDD in adolescents. Findings must be viewed in the context of the study’s small sample size, missing data, and implementation challenges. Continued efforts to improve treatment for MDD in outpatient clinics are warranted . Future research should examine moderators of and mechanisms for individual differences to treatment response, as well as the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of implementing treatment models which may require extensive training and expertise to yield clinically meaningful improvements in non-research settings. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01830088 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01830088?term=Villab%C3%B8&draw=2&rank=1 Date of registration: April 12, 2013


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