Psychological reactions in women followed for 1 year after miscarriage

Abstract

Abstract Thirty-nine women who had miscarriages completed questionnaires within 3 months, and at 6 months and 1 year following the miscarriage. Subjects completed the Centre for Epidemiological Study Depression Scale (CES-D), the Spanner Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Maffcr Feminine Identity Scale and two study questionnaires. Miscarriage had a significant impact on most women's' lives over the year, regardless of their age or the presence of other living children. Depression scores were elevated at 3 months after miscarriage, decreased at 6 months and were again elevated for most women at I year. Women without other children had the highest depression scores at 3 months and 1 year. Depression scores increased widi desire for children and guilt about the loss. Measures of marital adjustment varied significandy over time but remained in the normal range. Femininity showed a trend to vary over time. Women who had more traditional views at 3 months after miscarriage were more depressed then and at 1 year after miscarriage. Self-esteem did not vary significantly.