The long-term follow-up of women treated for postnatal depression at a specialist day hospital compared to routine primary care |
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Authors: | LM O'Brien E Boath R Hodgson JL Cox |
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Institution: | 1. Universitair Centrum St. Jozef, KUL, Kortenberg, Belgiumjozef.peuskens@uc-kortenberg.be;3. St. Camillus Hospitaal, St Denijs-Westrem, Belgium;4. AZ St. Lucas, Assebroek, Belgium;5. Clinique Universitaire St Luc, Bruxelles, Belgium;6. Medical Department, Eli Lilly, Bruxelles, Belgium |
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Abstract: | BACKGROUND: Postnatal depression affects approximately 13% of childbearing women. There are very few specialist treatment centres, despite emerging evidence that these units are superior to routine primary care in the short term. We investigated the long-term benefits of treatment for postnatal depression at a specialist day unit, compared to routine primary care. METHODS: Women who took part in an earlier study of postnatal depression were invited to participate in this follow-up. Self-report questionnaires (the Work, Leisure and Family Life Questionnaire - Modified (WLFQ-M) and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS)) were administered, together with the revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R). Information was also obtained regarding subsequent children and depressive episodes since the initial study. RESULTS: Of the original cohort of 60 women, 23 agreed to participate in the follow-up. There were no significant differences between DAS and WLFLQ-M scores or ICD-10 diagnoses of depressive episode between the women who had previously received specialist care. However, the numbers were small and make conclusions difficult. Qualitative analysis suggests that treatment at a specialist unit is beneficial in the long term. CONCLUSION: Further, larger studies of the long-term benefits of specialist treatment need to be carried out. (Int J Psych Clin Pract 2002; 6: 199-203 ) |
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Keywords: | Postnatal Depression Day Hospital Follow-UP Studies |
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