Women with depression during, after pregnancy face elevated suicide risk, separate studies show

Two recent studies have found that women who suffer from depression during or after pregnancy have an increased risk of suicide.

The first study was published on Tuesday JAMA Network Open Journal, They found that women with perinatal depression (PND) were three times more likely to engage in suicidal behavior. The study found that the risk was particularly high among mothers with postpartum depression and those in the first year after diagnosis.

The initial study also noted that the risk of suicidal behavior remains elevated 18 years after diagnosis. They also found that a history of mental illness had no effect on whether these women were more likely to develop suicidal behavior (defined by the researchers as attempted or completed suicide).

The study followed 952,061 women for 18 years.

“Given ongoing episodes and symptoms at the time of diagnosis, it is not surprising that the risk for suicidal behavior peaked immediately after PND diagnosis. “This highlights the urgent need for active surveillance,” the study said.

The second study was published on Wednesday. BMJ They found that women diagnosed with perinatal depression were at increased risk of dying by suicide. The study found that women with perinatal depression were three times more likely to die than women without perinatal depression.

“Even when accounting for familial factors, women who were clinically diagnosed with perinatal depression were associated with an increased risk of death, especially in the first year after diagnosis and by suicide,” the study said. ing. “Affected women, their families, and health care professionals need to be aware of the serious health consequences following perinatal depression.”

These two studies were the first to draw attention. new york times.