Depression Following Induced Abortion

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of number of abortions and time passed after abortion in women with a history of induced abortion on the development of depression. STUDY DESIGN: Women who admitted to family planning center during November 2003 – February 2004, answered a questionnaire. Depression levels between women who had induced abortion and those who did not were compared. Women with a history of previous abortion were classified according to the time passed after abortion (0-3 months, 3-6 months, more than 6 months). Depression levels were evaluated using Beck depression scale. RESULTS: Rates of clinical depression in women with a history of induced abortion were increased (p<0,05). Depression scores were increased in women who have had induced abortions (p<0,001). CONCLUSİONS: In women with a history of induced abortion, short term depression scores were found to be increased and clinical depression rates were markedly increased. Long term effects of this psychological trauma is a topic to be investigated. Our research data shows us that it may be helpful to provide pre- and postabortive psychological counseling to decrease the frequency and severity of depression encountered after induced abortion.

Keywords

• Induced abortion
• Depression
• Unintended pregnancy