The influence of childhood trauma on postpartum depression: A prospective cohort study

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the influence of childhood trauma on postpartum depression (PPD) through a prospective longitudinal evaluation.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted with women evaluated at two postpartum periods: the immediate postpartum period and between the middle and end of the third month. Data were collected using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) which assesses five types of trauma (emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect), and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) and adjusted multinomial logistic regressions were performed.

Results

This study included 153 women who completed both assessments. The type of childhood trauma evaluated significantly influenced PPD symptoms at both time points. The PPD symptoms remained stable over time, with no significant interaction between trauma exposure and time. Emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect were found to be significant predictors of chronic PPD. Emotional abuse, physical abuse, and emotional neglect are also associated with early onset PPD. For late-onset PPD, only emotional neglect and sexual abuse remained as significant predictors. Emotional abuse was the most influential predictor of both early-onset and chronic PPD, while emotional neglect had the greatest impact on late-onset PPD.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the significant influence of childhood trauma on PPD. Furthermore, PPD symptoms remained stable over time. Early screening for PPD in postpartum women and the identification of childhood trauma during pregnancy are essential to mitigate PPD risk factors.