LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Postpartum Depression: Deliveries
built 646 days ago
Postpartum psychosis is a form of depression so severe that the patient loses touch with reality. Although only about 1 in 500 women will get postpartum psychosis, there is a sevenfold increase in the risk of psychiatric hospitalization within the first three months after delivery, and the risk of psychosis is 20 times higher than the pre-pregnancy rate.
Source:
Postpartum Depression - This term is used to describe the major depression that 10-15 % of women experience during the postpartum period. It usually begins during the first month after delivery. But it may occur anytime during the 1-2 years after delivery. Treatment may require community support services, psychiatric counseling, or antidepressant medications.
Source:
Women who are most vulnerable to postpartum depression usually have a personal or family history of depression. Studies show that most women who experience major depression after childbirth have had prior episodes of depression even though they may not have been diagnosed or treated. Those with prior episodes of postpartum depression will experience a recurrence following the next delivery about half of the time. Single women, those in unsupportive relationships, and women with multiple children ... may be more at risk.
Source:
The role that specific hormones may play in the development of postpartum depression has attracted considerable scientific research. Hormones levels change dramatically during pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period. Researchers are examining a possible relationship between sudden shifts in the levels of these hormones and postpartum depression.
Source:
A persuasive study published by a group at Brown University showed that preventive counseling reduced the risk of postpartum depression from 20 percent to 4 percent within three months of delivery. Other studies have shown similar benefits.
Source:
Current research still has not determined the exact cause of postpartum depression. What is known is that pregnancy and the postpartum period following the delivery are times of great biochemical upheaval, complicated by increasing social and psychological changes. These can create an environment for postpartum depression.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Deliveries