| dc.description.abstract | Studies analyzing Antenatal depression (AD) biological aspects are gradually becoming more common than those addressing AD clinical aspects. Among the studies addressing AD biological features, those involving immunological characteristics have been receivingincreasing attention. The first objective of this study was to evaluate clinical changes related to AD, as well as analyze the behavior of a possible biological component of the oxytocin system contributing to AD. The other objectives were to validate depressive symptoms screening scales for use during pregnancy and study the suicidality data of the AD. We used a structured clinical interview (MINI-PLUS), in addition to depression screening instruments. It was found that the AD prevalence data, along with its behavior, and the AD risk factors in our sample are similar to those found in previous international studies. The validated cutoffs found for depression screening in pregnancy were different from those already established in non pregnant: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) 11, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) 15 e Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) 9. The suicidality data called attention, with the high risk of suicide in the sample, and amongthese, the elevated composition of higher risk. The study showed that oxytocin free immunoglobulin G autoantibodies are related to AD. Moreover, oxytocin free immunoglobulin M autoantibodies are related to major depression prior to current pregnancy. A more accurate recognition of the AD clinics and its immunological components can assist in the development of conducts aimed at proper diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. | |
