Detection of psychological dysfunction and suicide risk among post-partum women

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Haley Grace Goller (Creator)
Institution
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/

Abstract: Prevalence rates of perinatal mood disorders range from 5% to 25%. Furthermore, suicide is a leading cause of death in post-partum women. Although the symptoms of mental health dysfunction that arise during the post-partum period (birth to1-year) vary significantly, they are typically conceptualized using the term “post-partum depression.” Various factors have been associated with an increased risk of suicide in postpartum women including co-occurring mental health disorders, lack of mental health care, and substance use. Since women are most commonly seen during this time-period in medical settings, it is important for mental health screening and psychological assessment used within OB-GYN settings to be current with regard to post-partum mood dysfunction and suicide risk assessment. We collected data from a sample of 78 post-partum women (0–6 months post-delivery), focusing specifically on patterns of emotional/internalizing dysfunction, using several different screening measures. Our sample did not produce significant elevations on target MMPI-3 Scales. Although the MBHS was better at capturing MMPI-3 elevations, when compared to the EPDS and PHQ-9, these comparisons were largely non-significant. Formal statistical analyses were challenged by our extremely low base-rate for elevated suicide risk. Despite this, the MBHS performed better than the EPDS and PHQ-9 at accurately capturing elevated suicide risk. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Additional Information

Publication
Language: English
Date: 2023
Keywords
Post-partum, post-partum depression, suicide risk
Subjects
Postpartum depression
Suicide—Risk factors
Suicide—Risk assessment
Postpartum psychiatric disorders
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

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