Medical Surveillance Monthly Report. Volume 20, Number 9
Abstract
Despite suicide being a leading cause of death among new mothers during the postpartum period, there has been limited research on self-harm in the postpartum period and associated risk factors. One potential risk factor for suicidality (completed suicides, suicide attempts, and suicide ideation including thoughts of self harm) during the postpartum period is postpartum depression (PPD). Between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2012, 5,267 (9.9%) active component service women and 10,301 (8.2%) dependent spouses were received with an incident PPD diagnosis during the postpartum period; 213 (0.4%) service women and 221 (0.2%) dependent spouses were diagnosed with incident suicidality. Aft er adjusting for the eff ects of other covariates, service women with PPD had 42.2 times the odds of being diagnosed with suicidality in the postpartum period than service women without PPD; dependent spouses with PPD had 14.5 times the odds compared to those without PPD. Th e fi ndings of this report suggest that history of mental disorders was common among service women and dependent spouses with PPD in the postpartum period, and, in turn, PPD was a strong predictor for suicidality in the postpartum period. Th ese results emphasize the importance of PPD screening during the postpartum period. Th is also suggests that additional focused screening for suicidal behavior among those already diagnosed with PPD may be warranted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA585393
Entities
People
- Francis L. O'donnell
Organizations
- Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center