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Correlates of Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress among Culturally Diverse Women with Depressive Symptomatology
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Correlates of Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress among Culturally Diverse Women with Depressive Symptomatology

Julie Vignato, Cynthia D Connelly, Ruth A Bush, Jane M Georges, Semira Semino-Asaro, Patricia Calero and Sarah McCue Horwitz
Issues in mental health nursing, Vol.39(10), pp.840-849
10/03/2018
DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2018.1488313
PMCID: PMC6397067
PMID: 30277842

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Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an important and often neglected comorbidity of pregnancy; left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications for the mother and developing fetus. Structured interviews were conducted to identify risk factors of PTSD among culturally diverse women with depressive symptomatology receiving perinatal services at community obstetric/gynecologic clinics. Women abused as adults, with two or more instances of trauma, greater trauma severity, insomnia, and low social support were more likely to present perinatal PTSD symptoms. Perinatal PTSD is prevalent and has the potential for chronicity. It is imperative healthcare providers recognize salient risk factors and integrate culturally sensitive screening, appropriate referral, and treatment services for perinatal PTSD.

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