Prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in women with gestational diabetes: a longitudinal cohort study

Abstract

Aims: Prevalence of mental disorders in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is not well defined; however, their presence could interfere with effective glucose self-management. Therefore, we aimed to assess the incidence of depression and anxiety symptoms in women with GDM in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy and their impact on glycemic control.

Methods: We included consecutive women undergoing the GDM screening test at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. Women with GDM (n = 77) and women without GDM (n = 103) completed questionnaires on depression and anxiety symptomatology, health locus of control and social support.

Results: The incidence of depression symptoms in the 2nd trimester is higher in women with GDM (23.4%) than in women without GDM (10.7%; p = 0.022; OR = 2.6). The incidence of depression and anxiety symptomatology did not change significantly from 2nd to 3rd trimester within both groups; however, an increase in the average severity of depression symptomatology was observed. Glycemic control was negatively associated with the external health locus of control.

Conclusions: Our results highlight the need for depression screening early on during pregnancy, especially in women with GDM. Timely psychological support may contribute to better GDM management and possibly prevent negative pregnancy outcomes.

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Gestational diabetes mellitus; Health locus of control; Longitudinal study.