PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - A K Thapar
AU  - A Thapar
TI  - Psychological sequelae of miscarriage: a controlled study using the general health questionnaire and the hospital anxiety and depression scale.
DP  - 1992 Mar 01
TA  - British Journal of General Practice
PG  - 94--96
VI  - 42
IP  - 356
4099  - http://bjgp.org/content/42/356/94.short
4100  - http://bjgp.org/content/42/356/94.full
SO  - Br J Gen Pract1992 Mar 01; 42
AB  - This study was carried out to assess whether psychiatric morbidity after a miscarriage is higher than that associated with early pregnancy. A total of 60 consecutive women admitted to a Swansea hospital with a miscarriage were compared with 62 consecutive women who attended an antenatal clinic at the same hospital, using the 28-item general health questionnaire and the hospital anxiety and depression scale. These were completed both at initial contact and six weeks later. Women who had had a miscarriage were found to be significantly more anxious and scored higher on the subscale for severe depression than the pregnant women, both at initial assessment and six weeks later. At the six week assessment more somatic symptoms were also experienced by the group who had had a miscarriage. This study highlights the psychological disturbance associated with miscarriage. The primary health care team and hospital staff need to take this into consideration when organizing follow up for women who have had a miscarriage.