Zeynep Kamil Med J. 2025; 56(4): 208-212 | DOI: 10.14744/zkmj.2025.12245

The impact of hyperemesis gravidarum on maternal anxiety and depression: A case-control study

Cem Ýnceoðlu¹, Refaettin Þahin¹, Veysel Tahiroðlu², Onuralp Bilgin³, Mustafa Gani Sürmen^4
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sirnak State Hospital, Sirnak, Turkey
²Department of Nursing, Sirnak University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sirnak, Turkey
³Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Turkey. Istanbul Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children’s Diseases Health Training and Research Center, Istanbul, Turkey
⁴Department of Molecular Medicine, Hamidiye Institute of Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the psychological and biochemical differences between pregnant women diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and healthy pregnant controls.
METHODS: A prospective case-control study was conducted between December 2024 and June 2025 at Sirnak State Hospital. A total of 100 pregnant women under 16 weeks of gestation were included, with 50 diagnosed with HG and 50 healthy controls. Sociodemographic characteristics, routine laboratory parameters (Hb, AST, TSH, etc.), and psychological symptoms were assessed. Psychological evaluation was performed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Participants with known systemic or psychiatric disorders were excluded.
RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, BMI, gravidity, or parity (p>0.05). HG patients had significantly lower hemoglobin and TSH levels and higher AST values (p<0.05). Depression and anxiety scores were also significantly higher in the HG group compared to controls (p=0.000 for both). These findings indicate both physiological and psychological alterations in HG cases.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: HG is associated with significant increases in anxiety and depression levels, as well as biochemical disturbances, particularly in hemoglobin, AST, and TSH values. These results suggest that HG may not only be a physical condition but also involve notable psychological distress. Multidisciplinary care, including psychiatric support, should be considered in HG management.

Keywords: Anxiety disorders, depressive disorder, hyperemesis gravidarum, pregnancy complications.

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