Published online Feb 10, 2015. doi: 10.5317/wjog.v4.i1.9
Peer-review started: June 20, 2014
First decision: July 21, 2014
Revised: October 14, 2014
Accepted: October 29, 2014
Article in press: October 29, 2014
Published online: February 10, 2015
Processing time: 120 Days and 11 Hours
AIM: To explore the prevalence of post-partum depression (PPD) in coeliac disease (CD).
METHODS: We performed a case-control study evaluating the prevalence of PPD in CD patients on gluten-free diet (GFD) compared to that of healthy subjects experiencing a recent delivery. All participants were interviewed about menstrual features, modality and outcome of delivery and were evaluated for PPD by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).
RESULTS: The study included 70 CD patients on GFD (group A) and 70 controls (group B). PPD was present in 47.1% of CD women and in 14.3% of controls (P < 0.01; OR = 3.3). Mean EPDS score was higher in CD compared to the controls (mean score: group A 9.9 ± 5.9; group B 6.7 ± 3.7; P < 0.01). A significant association was observed between PPD and menstrual disorders in CD (69.7% vs 18.9%; P < 0.001; OR = 3.6).
CONCLUSION: PPD is frequent in CD women on GFD, particularly in those with previous menstrual disorders. We suggest screening for PPD in CD for early detection and treatment of this condition.
Core tip: Some studies have shown an increased prevalence of psychological symptoms and mental disorders in patients affected by coeliac disease (CD) and depression appears to be the most important condition in undiagnosed CD. On the other hands, focused data on post-partum depression are still lacking. In our mind, the present work is the first study mainly focused on this interesting and relevant topic.