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August 12, 2007
Fifteen percent of new mothers may be affected by postpartum depression
The Dallas Morning News (8/7, Churnin) reported that 15 percent of new mothers are affected by postpartum depression (PPD).
Recognition "of PPD and support groups for the condition have slowly increased," but there is still much to learn. "Experts suggest that it can be sparked or exacerbated by rapid hormonal changes, psychiatric problems, underdeveloped coping skills and traumas, including the death of a loved one, economic stress or relationship problems."
The goal of Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D., a San Francisco-based clinical psychologist and president of Postpartum Assistance for Mothers, is to teach physicians "to give regular screenings to pregnant and postpartum women and to provide support and education to minimize, if not prevent, the effects" of PPD.
In a related article, the Morning News (8/10) provided a list of resources to help new mothers affected by the disorder.
Related Links:
- "Talking about postpartum depression often helps," Churnin, Dallas Morning News, August 7, 2007.
- "Postpartum depression: symptoms and coping strategies," Dallas Morning News, August 10, 2007.
Posted by admin at August 12, 2007 11:17 PM