Antenatal depression and thyroid antibodies

Abstract

Depressive illness has a high prevalence in the puerperium (Paykel et ai 1980). Antenatal psychiatric disorders have received less attention; however, there are now several studies that suggest that rates of antenatal depression are comparable to those of postnatal depression (see review: Green and Murray 1994). Little is known about the etiology of antenatal depression. Studies have shown that women positive for thyroid antibodies, independent of thyroid hormone status, are prone to episodes of postnatal depression (Hams et al 1989, 1992; Pop et al 1991). No study to date has investigated whether the presence of gestational thyroid antibodies are associated with antenatal mood disturbance. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of antenatal depressive symptoms and the relationship, if any, to thyroid antibody status.