Postpartum DepressionPostpartum Depression

Michael Hoerger

BackgroundBackground

Postpartum or postnatal = after birthPostpartum or postnatal = after birth Low mood, loss of pleasure, Low mood, loss of pleasure,

hopelessness, sleep and appetite hopelessness, sleep and appetite problemsproblems

3 types:3 types: Baby Blues: 80%Baby Blues: 80% Postpartum depression: 5%Postpartum depression: 5% Postpartum psychosis: 0.1%Postpartum psychosis: 0.1%

Validity?Validity?

““The feeling associated with giving up The feeling associated with giving up something loved—or at least something loved—or at least something that is a part of ourselves something that is a part of ourselves and familiar—is depression.” –M. Scott and familiar—is depression.” –M. Scott PeckPeck

Prior depression, anxiety, stressPrior depression, anxiety, stress

Pathologizing women?Pathologizing women?

EtiologyEtiology

Overestimating happinessOverestimating happiness Stress, low social support, single Stress, low social support, single

parent, marital problemsparent, marital problems Parental efficacyParental efficacy

expectationsexpectations Difficult temperament,Difficult temperament,

health problemshealth problems

ConsequencesConsequences

Physical growthPhysical growth

Behavior problemsBehavior problems

Emotional Emotional problemsproblems

PreventionPrevention

What can be done by the individual What can be done by the individual to prevent postpartum depression?to prevent postpartum depression?

What can be done by society?What can be done by society?

Michael HoergerMichael Hoerger

To cite this lecture:To cite this lecture: Hoerger, M. (2007, January 22). Hoerger, M. (2007, January 22).

Postpartum DepressionPostpartum Depression. Presented at . Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central a PSY 220 lecture at Central Michigan University.Michigan University.