Assessment of psychological modifications during pregnancy: Contribution of Derogatis Symptom check-list (SCL 90-R)

Abstract

The purpose of this survey is to study the psychological modifications in women during pregnancy. the Hopkins Symptom check-list was used and the women questioned at the 6th month of pregnancy about symptoms experienced before and during pregnancy. This paper brings to light the existence and the extent of psychopathological modifications due to pregnancy. the analysis shows that pregnancy is accompanied by an accentuation of previously existing symptoms and by a generation of certain other symptoms not commonly noted. However, these modifications do not reach a psychopathological level comparable to that observed in subjects suffering from major disorders.