Depression after childbirth.
METHODS
Depression following childbirth is an illness occurring in 10 to 20 percent of women in the year postpartum. Researchers have debated whether postpartum depression is a different illness from depression at other times. We critically review the literature on postpartum depression, as distinguished from postpartum blues and psychosis.


RESULTS
Problems with definition, study design, and the validity of the diagnosis have hampered investigation. Studies do not clearly distinguish postpartum depression from major depression occurring at other times


CONCLUSIONS
Depression after childbirth is probably the same illness as depression at other times. It is not known whether biological and psychological factors unique to the puerperium alter the expression of the illness. Nonetheless, physicians caring for women and infants should learn to screen for, diagnose, and treat depression in women after childbirth.
Dobie
S A
SA
Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Walker
E A
EA
D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012107:Research Design