【Purpose】 This study was conducted to identify the association between the autonomic nerve activity and changes in anxiety and depression in one year postpartum. 【Method】 The longitudinal study was conducted on 36 subjects (mean 33.6 (SD±4.3) years old) at 6 months (first survey) and 12 months (second survey) postpartum using (1) measurements (the autonomic nervous activity using the heart-rate variability) and (2) questionnaire (Anxiety, Depressive: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; fourteen items). 【Results】 (1) There was no significant difference attributable to the time of measurement in autonomic nerve activity parameters consisting of Total Power, Low-frequency, High-frequency, Low-frequency/High-frequency, Sympathetic Nervous System Index and Parasympathetic Nervous System Index. (2) The anxiety score averaged 4.4±3.7 (Mean±SD) (first survey) and 4.9±4.0 (second survey), the depression score averaged 4.3±3.0 (first survey) and 4.6±3.8 (second survey), and there was no significant difference attributable to the time of measurement. (3) After 7 months postpartum, both anxiety and depression scores increased in 3 subjects (8.3%) and either anxiety or depression score increased in 2 subjects (5.5%). (4) The correlation was observed between Total Power and both anxiety scores and depression scores (r_s=-.358, -.425,p<.05 for both). 【Discussion】 It was suggested that ongoing postpartum follow-up is required for perinatal mental health care, and that measurement of autonomic nerve activity by monitoring heart rate is helpful in screening mental health status.
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