Is it possible to predict postnatal depression? Research into the origin of blues and depression. The role of the gynaecologist.
OBJECTIVE
the authors investigated the role of the gynaecologist in trying to predict postnatal depression. Women suffering from postnatal depression (PND) are the expression of a failure to adapt to the unjust demands that society makes on them. Isolation and the lack of social support during and after the pregnancy are very strong factors of risk for postpartum depression. The problem is serious and it develops rapidly, within two weeks of childbirth. It requires immediate and continuous treatment. There is also some risk of infanticide or suicide.


METHODS
submission of a questionnaire based on the EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) to 222 pregnant women between 28 and 40 weeks of gestation.


RESULTS
28.4% of the patients resulted positive to the test (score > 12 points) and the hypothesis would seem to be that there is a continuum between depression suffered pre- and postpartum, and that the depression begins during pregnancy and then becomes more acute or less latent at the time of confinement.


CONCLUSIONS
the gynaecologist must have a role in helping to achieve an early diagnosis of the depression, because the earlier the problem is recognised the greater are the possibilities of therapy and preventing any consequences for the entire family group.
D'Amelio
R
R
Department of Gynaecological Sciences, Perinatology and Puericulture University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.
Rauccio
V
V
Melluso
J
J
Feraudo
E
E
Grande
S
S
Dettori
C
C
Brittelli
M
M
D000328:Adult; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D010819:Physician's Role; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires