title: Etiology and treatment of postpartum depression.
abstract: This article reviews the risk factors, pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is common and occurs in up to 18% of newly delivered mothers. Though the hormonal changes occurring after childbirth are believed to play a role in postpartum depression, no hormonal etiology has been identified. Estrogen appears somewhat helpful for postpartum depression, but its use is limited by problematic medical sequelae. Several antidepressants are effective for postpartum depression and appear safe for use by breastfeeding women. Psychosocial interventions and cultural rituals, which may prevent or ameliorate postpartum depression, have also been employed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital, 760 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA. dflores@mednet.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Deborah Lynne
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Flores
authors.forename: Victoria C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Hendrick
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000378:metabolism; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D004967:Estrogens; D011374:Progesterone; D006854:Hydrocortisone