Post-partum ‘blues,’ depression, and psychosis: A review

The great majority of women evidence few significant problems during the puerperium, and Clinically and with respect to causal factors post-partum depression appears to resemble depression occurring at other times.

Abstract

The great majority of women evidence few significant problems during the puerperium. Mild affective distress lasting a few hours to a few days and known as the post-partum blues is common but has little effect beyond the first week or two after delivery. Post-partum depression, which has a prevalence of 10-15%, is more serious in that it may last for several months and impair a woman's ability to function in her many roles. Clinically and with respect to causal factors post-partum depression appears to resemble depression occurring at other times. Post-partum psychosis is a disabling disorder occurring once in every 1000 deliveries. Intensive treatment, usually on an inpatient basis, is required. Women with previous psychosis or a family history of psychosis are at increased risk. Discussion of the consequences of these patterns of post-partum adjustment and recommendations for treatment and future research are presented.