Rates and risk factors associated with depressive symptoms during pregnancy and with postpartum onset.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the third trimester of pregnancy and at 3 months postpartum and to prospectively identify risk factors associated with elevated depressive symptoms during pregnancy and with postpartum onset. About 364 women attending antenatal clinics or at the time of their ultrasound were recruited and completed questionnaires in pregnancy and 226 returned their questionnaires at 3 months postpartum. Depressed mood was assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; score of ≥ 10).

PTSD following childbirth: a prospective study of incidence and risk factors in Canadian women.

Objective: The goals of the present study were to estimate the incidence and course of full and partial Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following childbirth and to prospectively identify factors associated with the development of PTSD symptoms at 1month following childbirth.

Methods: The sample comprised 308 women, with assessments at four time points: 25-40weeks gestation, 4-6weeks postpartum, 3 and 6months postpartum. Current and prior PTSD were assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I) and the Modified PTSD Symptom Scale Self-Report (MPSS-SR).

A randomized clinical trial of exercise to alleviate postpartum depressed mood.

Objective: To evaluate whether a 12-week home-based exercise program is more effective than usual care for alleviating depressive symptomology in the postpartum.

Methods: Eighty-eight women experiencing postpartum depressed mood were randomly assigned to a 12-week home-based exercise program or usual care. Outcomes assessed immediately post-treatment and 3-months post-treatment were the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).

Sleep problems and depressed mood negatively impact health-related quality of life during pregnancy.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate and identify determinants of health related quality of life (HRQoL) during pregnancy. Pregnant women (n = 245) completed questionnaires measuring: HRQoL (Short Form Health Survey SF-36), life stress, social support, sleep, and depressed mood in the third trimester. Demographics and medical variables were also collected.

Effects of home-based exercise on fatigue in postpartum depressed women: who is more likely to benefit and why?

Objectives: (1) To explore moderators of the effects of home-based exercise on reductions in physical and mental fatigue scores in postpartum depressed women and (2) to explore mediators of the intervention on changes in physical fatigue.

Method: Eighty-eight women in the postpartum period (4-38 weeks) obtaining a score >or=10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were randomly assigned to a 12-week individualized home-based exercise intervention (n=46) or a no-treatment control group (n=42). The present analyses include the 35 women who adhered to the intervention and the no-treatment control group.

Effects of a home-based exercise intervention on fatigue in postpartum depressed women: results of a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Fatigue is prevalent during the postpartum period and may be heightened in postpartum depressed women.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of a home-based exercise intervention in reducing physical and mental fatigue scores in postpartum depressed women.

Methods: Eighty-eight women in the postpartum (4-38 weeks) obtaining a score > or =10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were randomly assigned to a 12-week individualized home-based intervention (n = 46) or a control group (n = 42).

Dimensions of fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus: relationship to disease status and behavioral and psychosocial factors.

Objective: To characterize the experience of fatigue in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using a multidimensional assessment and to delineate contributors to physical and mental dimensions of fatigue.

Methods: Fatigue in 130 women with SLE was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20). Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing sleep quality, depressed mood, social support, and leisure-time physical activity.

Adherence during an individualized home based 12-week exercise program in women with fibromyalgia.

Objective: Treatment recommendations for fibromyalgia (FM) include regular physical exercise. In this prospective study we examined predictors for adherence to stretching and aerobic exercises in women provided with an individualized home based program.

Methods: Thirty-nine women kept exercise diaries for 12 weeks.

Maintenance of exercise in women with fibromyalgia.

Objective: To identify predictors of maintenance of exercise for women with fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods: Women with FM who had been randomized to the exercise arm of a clinical trial were studied prospectively during and 3 months following treatment. Subjects completed exercise logs weekly and returned the data via postal mail.

Determinants of sleep quality in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: To characterize sleep complaints in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to identify correlates of sleep quality.

Methods: Sleep quality in 100 women with SLE was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing depressed mood, leisure time physical activity, functional disability, and pain severity.

Mental health status and leisure-time physical activity contribute to fatigue intensity in patients with spondylarthropathy.

Objective: To examine the relationship between disease-related variables, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), and mental health status with fatigue severity in patients with spondylarthropathy (SpA).

Methods: Sixty-six SpA patients completed questionnaires assessing disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [BASDAI]), functional ability (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index), and health-related quality of life (Short Form 36). LTPA patterns, demographics, and disease-related data were obtained by interview.

Leisure-time physical activity patterns and relationship to generalized distress among Canadians with arthritis or rheumatism.

Objective: Little is known about the epidemiology and possible mental health benefits of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) for persons with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions. We examined the prevalence of LTPA and its association to generalized distress among Canadians with rheumatic conditions.

Methods: The 1996-97 National Population Health Survey interview data from respondents with rheumatic conditions (n = 10,700) and persons with no chronic conditions (n = 19791) in the same age range (20-79 yrs) were selected for analyses.

Group psychotherapy reduces illness intrusiveness in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: We investigated whether brief supportive-expressive group psychotherapy might reduce illness-induced interference with valued activities and interests (i.e., illness intrusiveness) among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in relation to 3 life domains: (1) relationships and personal development (family relationships, other social relationships, self-expression), (2) intimacy (relationship with spouse, sex life), and/or (3) instrumental life (work, finances, active recreation).