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01-10-2018

Shortening day length: a potential risk factor for perinatal depression

Authors: Deepika Goyal, Caryl Gay, Rosamar Torres, Kathryn Lee

Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 5/2018

Abstract

The aim of this secondary analysis was to determine whether seasonal light exposure, categorized by type of day length, is associated with or predictive of depressive symptoms in late pregnancy and the first 3 months postpartum. Women (n = 279) expecting their first child were recruited from prenatal clinics and childbirth education classes. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Day lengths were categorized into short, lengthening, long and shortening. Data analysis included linear mixed models and multiple linear regression. When days were shortening (August to first 4 days of November) in late third trimester, depressive symptom scores were highest (35%) and continued to be higher at each postpartum assessment compared to other day length categories. Implications for clinical practice include increased vigilance for depressive symptoms, particularly if late pregnancy and birth occurs during the 3 months around the Autumn equinox when day length is shortening. Strategies that increase light exposure in late pregnancy and postpartum should also be considered.

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Title: Shortening day length: a potential risk factor for perinatal depression
Authors: Deepika Goyal
Caryl Gay
Rosamar Torres
Kathryn Lee
Publication date: 01-10-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 0160-7715
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3521
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-018-9971-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Shortening day length: a potential risk factor for perinatal depression

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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