Predictors of spontaneous remission and recovery among women with untreated perinatal depression in India and Pakistan

Fuhr, Daniela, Sikander, Siham, Vanobberghen, Fiona, Weobong, Benedict A, Rahman, Atif ORCID: 0000-0002-2066-4467 and Weiss, Helen (2023) Predictors of spontaneous remission and recovery among women with untreated perinatal depression in India and Pakistan. CAMBRIDGE PRISMS-GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH, 10. e34-.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2023.26

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Mothers with perinatal depression can show different symptom trajectories and may spontaneously remit from depression, however, the latter is poorly understood. This is the first study which sought to investigate predictors of spontaneous remission and longer-term recovery among untreated women with perinatal depression.<h4>Methods</h4>We analysed data from two randomised controlled trials in women with perinatal depression in India and Pakistan. Analyses were restricted to women in the control groups who did not receive active treatment. Generalised estimating equations and logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for within-person correlation.<h4>Results</h4>In multivariable analyses, remission was associated with a husband who is not working (adjusted OR, aOR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.02-4.11), lower Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score at baseline (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.20-0.90 for score of ≥20 vs. 10-14) and better social support at baseline (aOR = 2.37, 95% CI 1.32-4.27 for high vs. low social support).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Women with low baseline severity may remit from perinatal depression with adequate social support from family and friends. These factors are important contributors to the management of perinatal depression and the prevention of clinical worsening, and should be considered when designing low-threshold psychological interventions.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	perinatal depression, remission, untreated depression, India, Pakistan
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	10 Jul 2023 14:11
Last Modified:	21 Oct 2023 02:39
DOI:	10.1017/gmh.2023.26
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2023.26
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3171561