Main description:

Postpartum Depression: Causes and Consequences chronicles a decade and a half of research into this relatively common mood disorder experienced in various forms by between 10-40% of all women following delivery. The author has conducted three major studies all of which are presented in this volume. The most recent study comprises the bulk of the monograph and presents the results with regard to psychological, social and hormonal factors in postpartum depression and the blues. Information regarding the epidemiology, etiology and treatment of postpartum depression is also included. The work described in this volume represents the attempt by the author to begin to address several of the major unresolved questions regarding the prevalence, causes, and consequences of postpartum mood disorders. The important negative implications of poor maternal adjustment for both the new mother and her family as well as the increased awareness of childbearing women who are now demanding answers and information make this book indispensable for all practitioners in psychology, psychiatry and obstetrics-gynecology as well as for the students of these disciplines.

Contents:

1 Introduction.- 2 Preliminary Work.- 3 Background and Methods.- 4 Psychopathology Across Pregnancy and the Puerperium.- 5 Adjustment, Social Support, and Life Events Across Pregnancy and the Puerperium.- 6 Depression During Pregnancy.- 7 Postpartum Blues.- 8 Postpartum Depression.- 9 Summary and Implications.- Appendix A: Childcare Stress Inventory.- Appendix B: Peripartum Events Scale.- Appendix C: Social Support Interview.- References.