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Psychological abuse increases risk of postnatal depression

30/01/2008

Pregnant women who are psychologically abused by an intimate partner are more likely to develop postnatal depression, a new study suggests.

Researchers also found that the abuse increased the risk of self-harm and poorer mental health-related quality of life after the baby was born.

The claims are based on an analysis of 3,245 women from seven hospitals in Hong Kong between July 2005 and April 1006.

All women were above 18 years old and were between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Ten per cent of the women surveyed reported receiving abuse from their intimate partners (such as a husband, co-habiting partner or boyfriend).

Of this number, 73 per cent said they had been psychologically abused, with the remaining number either physically or sexually abused.

Psychological abuse included being shamed or ridiculed in front of other people and consistent put-downs about appearance.

Publishing their findings in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the researchers say they highlight the need for good screening and intervention programmes to help identify, protect and support women in abusive relationships.

Lead researcher Dr Agnes Tiwari from the University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine said: "Pregnancy offers a window of opportunity for health professionals to help women who are abused, including those psychologically abused."

Professor Philip Steer, BJOG editor-in-chief commented: "What is worrying for doctors is the evidence that [psychologically and emotionally abused] women have a higher chance of suffering from postnatal depression after delivery, with some desperate enough to contemplate self-harm.

"Clearly, doctors and nurses need to identify the problem in their antenatal clinics so that preventive measures for mother and baby can be put into action as soon as possible."