Psychotic Illness in First-Time Mothers After Childbirth
Author Information
Author(s): Unnur Valdimarsdóttir, Christina M Hultman, Bernard Harlow, Sven Cnattingius, Pär Sparén
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Hypothesis
The study investigates the impact of maternal background characteristics and obstetric factors on the risk of postpartum psychosis among first-time mothers with no previous psychiatric hospitalizations.
Conclusion
The incidence of psychotic illness peaks immediately following a first childbirth, with high maternal age increasing the risk and diabetes and high birth weight reducing it.
Supporting Evidence
- 892 women were hospitalized for psychoses within 90 days of giving birth.
- Almost half of the women who developed postpartum psychosis had no previous psychiatric hospitalizations.
- Maternal age of 35 years or older was associated with a more than two-fold increased risk of psychoses.
Takeaway
After having a baby, some new moms can get really sick in their minds, especially if they're older, but having a big baby or diabetes can help protect them.
Methodology
The study used proportional hazard regression models to analyze the incidence rates and risk factors for psychoses in a national cohort of first-time mothers.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding by undetected psychiatric outpatients may exist.
Limitations
The study may underestimate the incidence rates of psychoses due to reforms in psychiatric care in Sweden.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on first-time mothers in Sweden from 1983 to 2000, specifically those without previous psychiatric hospitalizations.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.2 to 4.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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