Psicothema was founded in Asturias (northern Spain) in 1989, and is published jointly by the Psychology Faculty of the University of Oviedo and the Psychological Association of the Principality of Asturias (Colegio Oficial de Psicología del Principado de Asturias).
We currently publish four issues per year, which accounts for some 100 articles annually. We admit work from both the basic and applied research fields, and from all areas of Psychology, all manuscripts being anonymously reviewed prior to publication.
Emma Motrico1, Sara Domínguez-Salas1, Carmen Rodríguez-Domínguez1, Irene Gómez-Gómez1, María F. Rodríguez-Muñoz2, and Diego Gómez-Baya3
Background: The current COVID-19 pandemic is a unique stressor with potentially negative consequences for pregnant and postpartum women. We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal depression and anxiety in Spain. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2020. A total of 3,356 adult pregnant and postpartum women (with infants up to 6 months of age) from all Spanish regions were surveyed. The assessment included measures of Coronavirus Perinatal Experiences (COPE-IS questionnaire) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7=10) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS=10). Results: The prevalence of perinatal anxiety and depression (above established cut-offs) was 33.3% and 47.2%, respectively; 29.2% of women screened positive for both conditions. Higher rates of perinatal depression and anxiety were associated with increased concern about threats of COVID-19, especially employment and the financial impact, along with increased overall levels of distress. Exposure to COVID-19 and its symptoms did not appear to be a relevant risk factor. More COVID-19-related predictors and a higher rate of depression were found in postpartum women. Conclusions: The current study highlights the substantial increase in symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety, especially in postpartum women. Interventions for perinatal mental health should be a priority.
Impacto del COVID-19 en la Depresión y Ansiedad Perinatal: un Amplio Estudio Transversal en España. Antecedentes: la pandemia de COVID-19 es un estrés único con consecuencias potencialmente negativas para las mujeres en etapa perinatal. Este estudio pretende conocer el impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la depresión y ansiedad perinatal en España. Método: estudio transversal realizado entre junio y diciembre de 2020. Un total de 3.356 mujeres adultas en etapa perinatal residentes en España fueron encuestadas. La evaluación incluyó medidas sobre Experiencias Perinatales de Coronavirus (COPE-IS), el Cuestionario de Ansiedad Generalizada (GAD-7=10) y la Escala de Depresión Posnatal de Edimburgo (EPDS=10). Resultados: la prevalencia de ansiedad y depresión perinatal fue 33,3% y 47,2%, respectivamente. El 29,2% sufrieron ansiedad y depresión. Las tasas más altas de depresión y ansiedad perinatal se asociaron con una mayor preocupación por las amenazas del COVID-19, especialmente con el impacto laboral y financiero, y un mayor nivel de angustia. La exposición al COVID-19 y sus síntomas no pareció ser un factor de riesgo relevante. Más predictores relacionados con el COVID-19 y una mayor tasa de depresión fue hallada en periodo posparto. Conclusiones: este estudio muestra el aumento sustancial de síntomas de depresión y ansiedad perinatal, especialmente en periodo posparto. La promoción de la salud mental perinatal debe ser una prioridad.