Hungarian Sample Research Articles

Skeletal age estimation in Hungarian population of known age and sex

Several methods of estimating age on the basis of human skeletal remains are used all over the world, methods that were established using known age and sex databases or during medicolegal autopsies. Over the course of the past several decades, many tests have been carried out on various populations to confirm the applicability of these methods in age assessment. While the opinions of experts vary regarding the cranial suture closure techniques, morphology of the sternal end of the fourth rib has been proven to be more accurate as an age assessor. The purpose of this paper is to test the reliability of three age estimation methods on a Central European population. Observation of ecto- and endocranial suture closure after Meindl and Lovejoy and Acsádi and Nemeskéri (239 individuals in the case of Meindl and Lovejoy and 238 in the case of Acsádi and Nemeskéri) and morphology of the sternal ends of the third, fourth and fifth ribs in accordance with Işcan (116 individuals) was done on a Hungarian sample of known sex and age at death at autopsy procedures. According to the observations, (1) the state of ectocranial suture closure was so erratic that it was not useful in age assessment, (2) obliteration phases of the endocranial sutures yield only a rough estimation, and (3) age determination from sternal ends of the ribs was the most reliable, especially with the application of slightly expanded age intervals on the Hungarian population.

Birds of a feather flock together? Perceived personality matching in owner–dog dyads

Partner choice is strongly affected by similarity in physical and psychological characteristics. Although there is a popular belief that dogs share similar personality characteristics with their owners, no studies have yet addressed the topic. Here, we tested for associations between the dog and owner personality in two countries (Austria and Hungary) and found significant positive correlations between owners and their dogs in all the five investigated personality dimensions (neuroticism, extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness). This similarity could not be attributed solely to the owners’ self-projection, since the similarity in the first four dimensions was also significant when an independent peer person assessed the dog instead of the owner. The similarity was not affected by the length of ownership, however, we found cultural differences in the correlation pattern; more and stronger correlations were found in the Hungarian sample. Moreover, in multi-dog households the dogs’ similarity patterns complement each other, suggesting possible differences in the dogs’ role. Our results provide the first evidence that dogs do resemble their owners suggesting potential applied utility as well as indicating that dog–owner relationship could be a useful model of human social relationships.

Asociación entre la búsqueda de novedades y el polimorfismo Val158Met del gen de la catecol-O-metiltransferasa en pacientes dependientes de opiáceos

BackgroundCandidate genes of the dopaminergic system have been reported as key elements in shaping human temperament. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) plays a vital role in dopamine inactivation, and the Val158Met single nucleotide polymorphism (rs4680) in its gene has been recently associated with the Novelty Seeking (NS) temperament scale of the Temperament and Character Inventory in studies of healthy adults, as well as methamphetamine abusers. MethodOur goal was to examine the association between temperament dimensions of the Temperament and Character Inventory and the COMT Val158Met variation in a Hungarian sample of 117 heroin-dependent patients and 124 nondependent controls. ResultsCase-control analysis did not show any significant difference in allele or genotype distributions. However, dimensional approach revealed an association between the COMT Val158Met and NS (P=.01): both controls and opiate users with Met/Met genotypes showed higher NS scores compared to those with the Val allele. The NS scores are also significantly higher among opiate users; however, no interaction was found between group status and COMT genotype. ConclusionAssociation of the COMT polymorphism and NS temperament scale has been shown for heroin-dependent patients and controls regardless of group status.

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: Translation and antepartum validation for a Hungarian sample

Objectivethe Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is an important screening instrument routinely used during the peripartum period for the identification of depression. The purpose of the study was to assess the validity of the 10-item EPDS in screening for antepartum depression (APD) in Hungary. Designvalidation study carried out between July and December 2010. SettingDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Szeged, Hungary. Participants219 women attending a routine check-up at 12 weeks antepartum. Interventionsparticipants completed the newly translated Hungarian version of the EPDS and underwent a clinical assessment with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV disorders (SCID-I). Measurement and findingsseven (3.2%) of the mothers were diagnosed with major antepartum depression and 15 persons (6.85%) with minor depression on the basis of the SCID. Internal consistency of the EPDS was satisfactory (Cronbach α coefficients ≥0.728). The best cut-off on the Hungarian version of the EPDS for major depression was 8/9, with a sensitivity of 71.4%, and a specificity of 91.5%. The area under the ROC curve was found significant for combined depression as well and at a cut-off of 6/7 indicated a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 83.2%. Key conclusionsthe EPDS showed acceptable validity despite a considerable scatter in the total scores in our sample. Implication for practicethe EPDS is a reliable instrument for the screening of depressive disorders, especially major depressive disorder in early pregnancy among Hungarian women.

Psychometric characteristics of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory in a Hungarian sample

Tanulmányunkban bemutatjuk a Poszttraumás Növekedésérzés Kérdőív hazai adaptációját. A Tedeschi és Calhoun által publikált kérdőív egy olyan mérőeszköz, amely a veszteségekkel járó, súlyosan stresszkeltő életeseményekkel való megküzdésből fakadó pozitív változások azonosítására szolgál. Az eredeti kérdőív öt faktort mér: az élet fokozott értékelése, jelentéstelibb interperszonális kapcsolatok megélése, a személyes erő érzetének fokozódása, új lehetőségek felfedezése, spirituális élményekkel való gazdagodás. A kérdőív érvényességét és megbízhatóságát egy 328 fős kényelmi mintán ellenőriztük. A validitásvizsgálathoz a Pszichológiai Immunkompetencia Kérdőívet, a Társas Támogatás Kérdőívet, a Sielberger-féle Vonásszorongás Kérdőívet, a Rövidített Beck Depresszió Kérdőívet, a Tíz Tételes Személyiség Kérdőívet és a Rövidített Aspirációs Indexet alkalmaztuk. A Poszttraumás Növekedésérzés Kérdőív belső konzisztenciája jónak bizonyult (Cronbach-alfa = 0,94), és a kérdőív teszt-reteszt megbízhatósága (r = 0,90; p<0,01) is kiváló. Az érvényességi vizsgálathoz használt mérőeszközökkel a kérdőív az elvárásoknak megfelelő irányú, gyenge és közepes erősségű kapcsolatot mutatott, amit a divergens validitás bizonyítékaként fogadtunk el. A Poszttraumás Növekedésérzés Kérdőíven végzett megerősítő faktorelemzés azonban nem erősítette meg az eredeti faktorstruktúrát. A kérdőív a pszichometriai mutatók alapján, és a külföldi adatokkal összhangban, érvényes és megbízható mérőeszköznek bizonyult. A mért változó független konstruktumnak tekinthető, amely alkalmas a traumát átélt személyek fejlődésének mérésére.

Muscle dysmorphia in Hungarian non-competitive male bodybuilders

Muscle dysmorphia (MD) has been described as a male body image disorder, characterized by a pathological preoccupation with muscle size. The aim of the study was to examine the MD features, eating disorder characteristics and body attitudes in non-competitive male bodybuilders in a Hungarian sample. Sixty male bodybuilders and 60 undergraduate university students completed the self-report questionnaires of the Muscle Appearance Satisfaction Scale, the Body Attitude Test and the Eating Disorders Inventory. MD was associated with current bodybuilding activity, higher ideal body weight and eating disorder characteristics. Moreover, current selfreported steroid users displayed higher tendency for MD symptoms than self-reported steroid non-users. Results emphasize the relationship between MD symptoms, eating disorder characteristics and steroid use. MD and body image related concerns among men could be a wide-spread phenomena also in the Central-Eastern European region.

The effect of the CYP 2C19*2 polymorphism on stroke care

Clopidogrel is an inhibitor of platelet-aggregation used in the prevention of secondary stroke. The molecule is activated by the cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) enzyme. The frequent CYP2C19*2 point mutation causes loss of enzyme function, a decreased (heterozygous form) or blocked (homozygous form) formation of the active molecule. Thus, for a patient harboring a mutated allele, clopidogrel does not provide effective protection against stroke. Multiple drugs inhibit the CYP2C19 enzyme and their simultaneous use with clopidogrel is especially hazardous for patients with genetically decreased enzyme activity. Frequency of the CYP2C19*2 is variable in different populations, highest rates were detected in some Asian groups. In our study the CYP2C19 genotype was determined in one Hungarian sample of 354 stroke patients and 221 healthy controls. Frequency of the minor allele was found to be 12.87% (12.85% in stroke patients, 12.89% in healthy controls). The proportion of the homozygous CYP2C19*2 variant causing total loss of gene function was 1.74%, rate of the heterozygous allele causing reduced enzyme activity was 22.26% in the total population. Our results for the allele frequencies of the CYP2C19*2 gene are similar to those found in other Caucasian populations. In conclusion, the homozygous mutation, causing ineffectiveness of clopidogrel is relatively rare. However, the heterozygous form in which interaction of CYP2C19 inhibitors causes further decrease in the genetically impaired enzyme activity is present in every fifth drug-taking patient. Based on our findings, we would like to emphasize that it is important to adjust individually antiplatelet treatment in ischemic stroke patients and to take into consideration genetic factors as well as drugs taken for comorbid conditions.

P-448 - The validation of ADAS-Cog: cognitive performance and characteristics of patients with alzheimer’s disease or depressive pseudodementia

The cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog) has been established internationally as an instrument for the assessment of treatment efficacy and cognitive performance in clinical trials. There is no data about the psychometric characteristics of ADAS-Cog in Hungarian sample. This study is a part of the Hungarian standardization process of ADAS-Cog. It is crucial to examine the cognitive performance of patients with pseudodementia caused by depression (D) because of its’ similarities with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The objective of the study was to analyze the characteristics of the cognitive subscale for further validation purposes. The study aimed at analyzing the ADAS-Cog performance of patients with D and AD in a Hungarian sample to make future studies more accurate through more exact differentiation between the two diseases. Forty-seven normal elderly control (CG) subjects, 66 AD patients and 39 patients with D participated in the study. The mental state and the severity of depressive symptoms of the participants were assessed by the means of ADAS-Cog, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Beck Depression Inventory. While the performance of the two patient groups differed from the CG, the two groups are overlapping and the characteristic of the ROC curve indicates that the differentiation is mediocre (AUC = 0.8 Sensitivity = 62.1%, Specificity = 89.7%). The results suggest that pseudodementia should be considered during the design of studies using ADAS-Cog. As the cognitive subscale is not suitable to differentiate between AD and pseudodementia additional measures like BDI should be administered.

No association between CALHM1 polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease risk in a Hungarian population

Calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1), a promising candidate gene for Alzheimer's disease risk, has been recently identified. We tested the hypothesis that the T-allelic variant of the CALHM1 rs2986017 polymorphism confers susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease in a Hungarian case-control sample that was also genotyped for apolipoprotein E. This study included 238 probable patients with Alzheimer's disease who met the diagnostic criteria for National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association and 202 elderly healthy control participants. We failed to detect an association between the CALHM1 polymorphism and the risk for Alzheimer's disease (P=0.153 for genotypes and P=0.090 for alleles), nor did we find an effect on age at onset. However, a potential weak correlation between the presence of the T allele (CT and TT genotypestogether) and Alzheimer's disease was observed (P=0.056).

Are there temperament differences between major depression and dysthymic disorder in adolescent clinical outpatients?

AimsThe aim of the study was to explore possible differences in temperament and character dimensions between 2 monodiagnostic adolescent groups of depression, namely, one with a present episode of major depression and subjects with the other being their dysthymic peers. SampleFrom a multisite Western Hungarian sample of consecutively referred 14- to 18-year-old new psychiatric adolescent outpatients, 2 groups were compared: group I, n = 56 (9 males, 47 females), with major depressive disorder (MDD) and group II, n = 27 (6 males, 21 females), with a diagnosis of dysthymic disorder (DD). All other comorbid diagnoses including bipolar and double depression (MDD + DD) cases were excluded. Present suicide events, if the attempter had an underlying diagnosis of depression, were not causes for exclusion. Assessment methods used were the adapted Hungarian versions of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Junior Temperament (Cloninger) Character Inventory. ResultsThe only difference between the major depressive and dysthymic adolescents was harm avoidance, adolescents with major depression having a higher level practice of harm avoidance, whereas the temperament type of MDD vs DD seems to differ only in the aspect of avoiding painful stress. Expectations regarding a worse degree of self-directedness and lower levels of persistence and cooperativeness in the MDD sample were not proved. ConclusionsNo essential temperament differences were found between the 2 adolescent depressive groups. Scarce differences between temperament qualities of MDD and DD may support Akiskal's continuum theory of depressive disorders. More research and the use of closer clinical personality typologies are warranted to explore possible personality trait differences (if they exist) between clinical diagnostic groups of adolescent patients.

Psychosexual Study of Communist Era Hungarian Twins

Our aim in this study is to describe the characteristics of sexual development in twins and estimate the role of heritability and environmental factors as causes of certain sexual disorders. Two hundred and ten adult same-sex twin pairs (92 monozygotic [MZ] female, 41 MZ male, 55 dizygotic [DZ] female and 22 DZ male pairs) were involved in the study. Data were collected in 1982 by self-administered questionnaires that included items on sexual maturation, sexual life, contraception, mutual sexual activity within twin pairs and alcohol use. The ratio of married to unmarried twins was nearly the same in MZs and DZs, with the exception that the divorce rate was higher in MZ female twins (14%), and DZ and male twins were slightly more likely to be single. Menarche was later in twins compared to non-twin Hungarian women. 57% of MZs experienced menarche within 3 months of each other, 77% within 6 months while it occurred for 30% and 43% respectively in DZs. The first seminal emission indicated some delay in male twins compared with the Hungarian general population sample. MZ first kisses occurred later than DZ's first kisses. The same was true for the first petting, masturbation and first sexual intercourse. Anorgasmy is 27% heritable but the estimate is not statistically significant. Concordance rate for premature ejaculation in MZs was greater than in DZs but the structural equation model showed significant misfit. Age at menarche appeared to be strongly heritable.

P02-209 - BDNF and DISC1 are associated with cognitive dysfunction but not with schizophrenia in a hungarian sample

IntroductionPrevious studies have found association between several schizophrenia candidate genes and neurocognition in schizophrenia patients and healthy individuals. Both brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) are important for neurodevelopmental processes and have been implicated as schizophrenia candidate genes, as well as genes influencing neurocognition.Objectives and aimsTo test for the previously described association of these genes with schizophrenia and neurocognition.MethodsDNA samples from a homogeneous sample of 280 schizophrenia patients and 230 healthy controls were genotyped for polymorphisms in schizophrenia candidate genes DISC1 (rs821597 and rs821616) and BDNF (rs6265). Clinical assessment was performed using the Schedule for Deficit Syndrome and the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale. Neurocognitive functioning was assessed in a subsample of 263 patients and 135 healthy controls by a comprehensive neuropsychological test-battery. Based on the raw neuropsychological measures we calculated a global index of cognitive impairment and domain-specific composite z-scores. Association between the above composite scores and the SNPs was examined using GLM and GENMOD analysis.ResultsThe investigated SNPs were not associated with schizophrenia, nor with the deficit or non-deficit subgroups. However we found significant association between global cognitive impairment and rs821616 in DISC1 (F = 3.02, p = 0.05) and rs6265 in BDNF (F = 4.47, p = 0.01); moreover rs6265 was associated with working memory (F = 6.22, p = 0.002) and attention (F = 7.27, p = 0.0074)ConclusionUsing neurocognition as an endophenotype for psychotic disorders in genetic studies has the potential to determine common and separate genetic factors influencing disease risk and neurocognition.

Life Goals and Well-Being: Does Financial Status Matter? Evidence from a Representative Hungarian Sample

Previous research with the Aspiration Index suggests that the importance of intrinsic life goals (e.g. personal growth and relationships) is in positive association with indicators of well-being, whereas an orientation toward extrinsic life goals (e.g. wealth and appearance) is connected with decreased positive functioning. Our study extended the scope of previous research by analyzing the role of financial status (income and subjective financial status). Examining a nationally representative cross-sectional sample of 4,841 Hungarian adults, we found that after controlling for several sociodemographic variables intrinsic goal importance was in a positive relationship with subjective well-being (SWB) and meaning in life (ML), whereas the contribution of extrinsic life goals was weak to SWB and negative to ML. Moreover, no moderation effects were found for indices of financial status, indicating that the relationship between life goals and well-being is the same for poorer and for richer respondents. Results show that the basic assumptions of the Aspiration Index research are also valid when testing on a societal level.

Effects of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and health behaviour on neonatal outcomes in a population-based Hungarian sample

Objective To investigate possible associations of maternal antenatal depression, anxiety and self-esteem with negative neonatal outcomes controlling for the effects of demographic covariates and health behaviour in a Hungarian sample. Study design A population-based monitoring system was established in 10 districts of health visitors in Szombathely, Hungary, covering every woman registered as pregnant between February 1, 2008 and February 1 2009. Three hundred and seven expectant women in the early stage of their pregnancy were surveyed using the Short Form of Beck Depression Inventory for the measurement of depression and the Spielberger Trait-Anxiety Inventory for the measurement of anxiety. Self-esteem was evaluated by the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale. At the end of the follow-up period, data on 261 mothers and their singleton neonates were available. The relationship between the explanatory and outcome variables (birth weight, length, chest circumference, gestational age, and 1- and 5-min Apgar score) was tested in girls and boys separately by multiple linear regression analysis (Forward method). Categorical variables were used as “dummy variables”. Results Maternal depression, anxiety and health behaviour did not show any association with neonatal outcomes. Higher level of maternal self-esteem was associated with higher birth weight and birth length in boys and higher birth length in girls. Maternal education positively correlated with birth length, gestational age and chest circumference in boys, and with birth length in girls. In girls, maternal socioeconomic status showed a positive association with birth weight and gestational age, while common law marriage had a negative effect on birth weight and chest circumference. Conclusions Lower level of maternal self-esteem possibly leads to a higher level of maternal stress which may reduce fetal growth via physiologic changes. Gender differences in associations between demographic factors and neonatal outcome measures indicate differences in fetal development between boys and girls.

Cross-Cultural Applicability of FACES IV

We studied cross-cultural Hungarian adaptation and validation of FACES IV for screening adaptive versus nonadaptive family functioning. A protocol was followed including translation, tests of reliability, construct and convergent validity, standardization, testing of family types, and ratios. Two hundred forty-nine couples (498 adults) from various regions of the country participated in the study. Results indicated high item–remainder correlations and Cronbach alphas. Factor analytic data fitted well with the model indicated by the Olson studies. Most salient results were found for Cohesion, which partially overlapped Flexibility, and had high negative correlations with the Disengaged dimension. Rigid and Chaotic as well as Enmeshed were found to be independent factors. Family types of the Hungarian sample explored by cluster analysis were comparable to the U.S. sample.

Health Aspirations in the Context of Age and Self-rated Health

The present research examined the respondents' preferences for approach and avoidance health aspirations (i.e. health related life goals) in relation to their age and self-rated health (SRH) in a representative Hungarian sample (N = 4841). Higher age predicted stronger preference for both orientations of health aspirations while SRH attenuated this relationship for approach and amplified it for avoidance health aspiration. Bad SRH predicted elevated preference for approach health aspirations in younger age while it predicted greater preference for avoidance aspirations in older age. Results and implications are discussed with reference to aging and health.

Association between Novelty Seeking of opiate-dependent patients and the catechol- O-methyltransferase Val 158Met polymorphism

Background Candidate genes of the dopaminergic system have been reported as key elements in shaping human temperament. Catechol- O-methyltransferase (COMT) plays a vital role in dopamine inactivation, and the Val 158Met single nucleotide polymorphism (rs4680) in its gene has been recently associated with the Novelty Seeking (NS) temperament scale of the Temperament and Character Inventory in studies of healthy adults, as well as methamphetamine abusers. Method Our goal was to examine the association between temperament dimensions of the Temperament and Character Inventory and the COMT Val 158Met variation in a Hungarian sample of 117 heroin-dependent patients and 124 nondependent controls. Results Case-control analysis did not show any significant difference in allele or genotype distributions. However, dimensional approach revealed an association between the COMT Val 158Met and NS ( P = .01): both controls and opiate users with Met/Met genotypes showed higher NS scores compared to those with the Val allele. The NS scores are also significantly higher among opiate users; however, no interaction was found between group status and COMT genotype. Conclusion Association of the COMT polymorphism and NS temperament scale has been shown for heroin-dependent patients and controls regardless of group status.

Prevalence of low back pain and lumbar spine degenerative disorders. Questionnaire survey and clinical–radiological analysis of a representative Hungarian population

A cross-sectional epidemiological study via personal interviews was performed regarding low back pain and its related clinical aspects in a Hungarian sample of 10,000 people. Joining the international campaign of the "Bone and Joint Decade", our aim was to give data on low back pain prevalence and to explore the underlying possible clinical conditions in a Central European adult and adolescent population. Ten thousand people aged 14-65, selected randomly by the Hungarian central office of statistics from three counties of the south-western Hungarian region, were surveyed using a special questionnaire focusing on low back pain and other degenerative spinal symptoms. People with low back pain complaints and written consent were asked to participate in a further clinical investigation, where radiological and clinical assessment was performed. A total of 4,389 persons (44.1%) reported low back pain in the last month at the time of the survey. Work absenteeism due to low back pain affected 2,140 persons (21.5%). A total of 292 people (2.9%) had already undergone spinal surgery. Upon request 682 people came for a clinical follow-up, where thorough physical examination and radiological analysis was performed and results were statistically interpreted. The Oswestry disability index (ODI) in the examined group of patients averaged 35.1%; radiological degenerative signs were observed in 392/682 (57.5%). Individuals with signs of radiological degeneration had a statistically significant higher ODI value, age, and a higher, yet not significantly increased BMI value than radiographically negative patients (p < 0.05). Co-existence of hip and knee osteoarthritis was also investigated. Higher osteoarthritis prevalence was found in individuals with radiographic signs of spinal degeneration. Details of the survey and clinical investigations are discussed.

How do different diagnostic criteria, age and gender affect the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults? An epidemiological study in a Hungarian community sample

The goal of the study was twofold: (1) to investigate the effect of different diagnostic criteria on prevalence estimates of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and (2) to provide prevalence estimates of adult ADHD for the first time in a Hungarian sample. Subjects between 18 and 60 years were included in the screening phase of the study (N = 3,529), conducted in 17 GP practices in Budapest. Adult self-report scale 6-item version was used for screening. Out of 279 positively screened subjects 161 subjects participated in a clinical interview and filled out a self-report questionnaire to confirm the diagnosis. Beside DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, we applied four alternative diagnostic criteria: 'No-onset' (DSM-IV criteria without the specific requirement for onset); full/Sx (DSM-IV "symptoms only" criteria); and reduced/Sx (DSM-IV "symptoms only" criteria with a reduced threshold for symptom count). Crude prevalence estimates adjusted for the specificity and sensitivity data of the screener were 1.35% in the 'DSM-IV' group, 1.64% in the 'No-onset' group, 3.65% in the 'Sx/full' group and 4.16% in the 'Sx/reduced' group. Logistic regression analysis showed that ADHD was significantly more prevalent with younger age and male gender [chi(2) = 14.46; P = 0.0007]. Prevalence estimates corrected for the 'not-interviewed' subsample and adjusted for specificity and sensitivity data of the screener was 2.3% in males, 0.91% in females; 2.02% in the < or =40 years age group and 0.70% in the >40 years age group, based on DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Prevalence rates found in this study are somewhat lower, but still are in line with those reported in the literature.

Prevalence of depression and anxiety in early pregnancy on a population based Hungarian sample

In Hungary, no survey has been conducted so far concerning of the incidence of depression and anxiety during pregnancy. Besides determining missing data, the aim was to scrutinize their socio-demographic relations. A population-based monitoring system was established in 10 districts of health visitors in Szombathely. The system covered every woman who was registered as pregnant between 1st February 2008 and 1st February 2009. 307 expectant women in the early stage of their pregnancy were surveyed using the Short Form of Beck Depression Inventory, which enabled the measurement of depression whereas the Spielberger Trait-Anxiety Inventory was used for the measurement of anxiety. 17.9% (95%CI: 13.0-21.5%) of pregnant women showed signs of depression, 1.0 % of whom had severe depression. 14.6% of them showed signs of anxiety (95%CI: 10.7-18.6%), moreover, 4.2 % of them had explicit angst. Depression and anxiety proved to be significantly more prevalent among unskilled workers, those with low incomes and unemployed women. Depression turned out to be significantly more prevalent among women under the age of 18, and those living in common-law relationships. In the examined sample, prevalence of depression and anxiety during early pregnancy basically coincides with the situation in developed countries.