Postpartum Depression

Research Paper # 118600

Medical and Health > Public Health Issues
Psychology > Disorders
Women Studies

An in-depth exploration of the research and studies on postpartum depression.

4,758 words () | 15 sources | APA | 2010 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper reveals that postpartum depression is a significantly under diagnosed pregnancy complication, which can have serious consequences. The paper explores the past research on postpartum depression that has encouraged society to recognize and treat this illness and then discusses the contemporary studies on this issue, including how postpartum depression can lead to infanticide. The writer reveals that postpartum depression is on the rise in the United States, due to increasing stress, and contends that more responsibility needs to be taken to ensure that women are prepared to handle the challenges that will come their way. The writer also hopes that more states will pass laws that mandate education and screening with women after delivery.

Outline:
Introduction
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Postpartum depression is a significantly under diagnosed pregnancy complication, which can have serious consequences. Sadness following the birth of a baby is believed to be as high as 85 percent in new mothers and normally lasts under two weeks. Postpartum depression may last as long as 18 months. The condition is thought to be caused by hormonal changes and the condition can worsen if the woman is suffering additional stresses. Many women experience some mood changes after childbirth. A tenth of the mothers suffer from the condition that can be treated with counseling and medication. However, one in a thousand women suffers from postpartum psychosis involving hallucinations, paranoid thoughts and delusions and often results in mothers harming their babies."

Sample of Sources Used:

Alexander, J. and Harberger, N. (1992). Postpartum Psychiatric Illness: A Picture Puzzle. Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press.
Brockington IF (1996) Motherhood and Mental Health. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press
Cox JL, Murray D, and Chapman G (1993), A controlled study of the onset, duration and prevalence of postnatal depression. Br J Psychiatry 163:27-31.
Dalton, K. and Holton, W. (1996) Depression After Childbirth: How to Recognise, Treat, and Prevent Postnatal Depression. NY: Oxford University Press
Dimitrovsky, L, Levy-Shiff, R., and Galit, P. (2002) Effect of Gender-Role Orientation of Primiparous Mothers on Their Cognitive Appraisals, Coping Strategies and Mood Postpartum. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research. Publication: 593.