Suicidal Thoughts in New Mothers: A Study
Author Information
Author(s): Howard Louise M, Flach Clare, Mehay Anita, Sharp Debbie, Tylee Andre
Primary Institution: King's College London
Hypothesis
EPDS suicidal ideation at 6-8 weeks postpartum is associated with high levels of depressive symptoms at 6-8 weeks.
Conclusion
Healthcare professionals should be aware of significant suicidality in women endorsing 'yes, quite often' to question 10 of the EPDS, but suicidal ideation does not predict poor outcomes in treated women.
Supporting Evidence
- 9% of women reported any suicidal ideation.
- 4% reported thoughts of self-harm occurring sometimes or quite often.
- Younger age and higher depressive symptoms were associated with suicidal ideation.
- Suicidal ideation did not predict poor outcomes at 18 weeks.
Takeaway
Some new mothers think about hurting themselves, and it's important for doctors to ask about these thoughts. But just because someone has these thoughts doesn't mean they will get worse.
Methodology
Women in primary care were sent postal questionnaires at 6 weeks postpartum to screen for postnatal depression using the EPDS, followed by a home visit for those with high symptoms.
Potential Biases
Possible selection bias as the sample included only women not receiving treatment for depression.
Limitations
The study relies on self-reported data, which may lead to under-reporting of suicidal thoughts, and the findings may not be generalizable to women outside of a treatment trial.
Participant Demographics
Postpartum women aged 18 and over from 77 general practices in the UK, including both affluent and socioeconomically deprived areas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 8.3% - 10.1%
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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