Mixed anxiety depression in pregnancy : the influence of misconceptions

Abstract EN

The effects of pregnancy on mental health were investigated by comparing the presence of depression, anxiety disorder and misconceptions among pregnant women and non-pregnant women.

The sample of this study consisted of 50 pregnant women, selected randomly from the ante natal clinic in King Hussein Medical Center, compared with 50 control women, matched for sociodemographic, age and educational background.

All subjects were interviewed individually and asked to complete two self rating questionnaires.

The Arabic version of the Beck Depression Inventory and the Arabic Version of the State Trait Anxiety Scale.

Open question relating to conceptions toward pregnancy and delivery were also asked.

Results indicated that women who were pregnant, secured a significantly higher rate of depression and anxiety.

Significant correlations between some negative thoughts and anxiety were also obtained.

The implication of these results supports the idea that negative cognitive attitudes and beliefs may result in depression or anxiety disorders.