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Post-Natal or Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Written by: Petros Skapinakis, MD, MPH, PhD, lecturer of Psychiatry in the University of Ioannina Medical School, Greece. Eva Gerasi, postgraduate student in the Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Ioannina, Greece.
First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 30 Jul 2008.

Abstract:

10-20% of all women are depressed after childbirth.

Question:

What is known about post-natal depression? What are its causes?

Answer:

Post-natal or postpartum depression occurs in 10-20 % of women after delivery. The rise in incidence of depression is often within 30 days postpartum and in severe cases may persist for up to 2 years. However, most episodes resolve spontaneously within 3-6 months after delivery. The symptom profile of a post-natal depression resembles that of a major depressive episode experienced at other times in life, but it is unique in its timing and in that it always involves at least the mother-baby dyad and usually an entire family unit.

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