Prenatal dysthymia versus major depression effects on maternal cortisol and fetal growth

To determine differences between pregnant women diagnosed with Dysthymia versus Major Depression, depressed pregnant women (N=102) were divided by their diagnosis into Dysthymic (N=48) and Major Depression (N=54) groups and compared on self-report measures (depression, anxiety, anger, daily hassles and behavioral inhibition), on stress hormone levels (cortisol and norepinephrine), and on fetal measurements. The Major Depression group had more self-reported symptoms. However, the Dysthymic group had higher prenatal cortisol levels and lower fetal growth measurements (estimated weight, femur length, abdominal circumference) as measured at their first ultrasound (M=18 weeks gestation). Thus, depressed pregnant women with Dysthymia and Major Depression appeared to have different prenatal symptoms.

We thank the mothers who participated in this study. This research was supported by Senior Research Scientist Awards (MH 00331 and AT 001585), an NIMH Merit Award (MH 46586) an NIH grant (AT 00370) and March of Dimes grant (12-FY03-48) to Tiffany Field and funding from Johnson and Johnson Pediatric Institute.