Hyperemesis gravidarum is associated with childhood trauma, depression, trait anxiety, and somatization: a case-control study

Abstract

Objective: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a disease characterized by severe nausea and vomiting; it is the most common cause of hospitalization in the first months of pregnancy. The effects of childhood trauma, anxiety types, and exaggeration of somatic sensations on HG have not been defined. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between HG and factors including depression, anxiety, childhood abuse, and exaggeration of physical sensations. Method: Forty-five pregnant women diagnosed with HG and 45 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. Socio-demographic data form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) scales were administered to the participants in the study. Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups in relation to socio-demographic data except income levels. The income level of the patient group was lower than that of the control group. Compared to the control group, scores for PUQE (p<0.01), BDI (p<0.01), Trait Anxiety Scale (TAI) (p<0.05), SSAS (p<0.05), and CTQ (p<0.001) were found to be significantly higher in the patient group. According to correlation analysis, while a relation was detected between PUQE scale results and CTQ, BDI, SSAS, and TAI results, no relation was found with the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI). Conclusion: In this study, a history of childhood trauma, depression, exaggeration of somatic sensations, and trait anxiety were found to be more common in individuals with HG. In addition, these factors were also found to be associated with the severity of nausea and vomiting.