Date of Award

1990

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Art

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Raphael J. Becvar

Second Advisor

Patrick Openlander

Third Advisor

Susan A. Myers

Abstract

This review describes the three common postpartum psychiatric syndromes, including postpartum blues, postpartum neurotic depression, and postpartum psychosis. It discusses both early and recent studies which have explored emotional and physical symptoms and differing views of 1 etiology. Etiological factors discussed include genetics, physiological abnormalities, predisposing psychological characteristics, maternal expectations, demographics, child temperament, neonatal risk, marital relationship, the new mother's relationship with her own mother, social support, and precipitating stressful life events.

Emotional lability in the first few days following delivery is often hormonally based, but a significant degree of research suggests that a more severe postpartum depression is linked to stressful life events precipitating delivery and inadequate social support. A prior psychiatric history is also a strong predictor of postpartum neurotic depression. Etiology is still not clear. It is recommended that future research on postpartum depression should consider more complex etiological models, at the time of delivery and at a later date.

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