The importance of postpartum depression, both in terms of its prevalence and the need for appropriate screening and effective treatments, has become an increasingly important area of focus for clinicians, patients, and policymakers. This derives [...]
Because postpartum psychosis is relatively uncommon, we do not have as much information on this illness as we have on postpartum depression. Â In addition, most of the literature we have on postpartum psychosis is not [...]
In the earliest studies, postpartum depression was described an episode of depression associated with childbirth, typically emerging within the first three months after delivery. Â As more research has been carried out, we have learned that [...]
 Multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of antidepressant medications for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD).  Most of the these studies focused on the impact of these medications on depressive symptoms; however, it is [...]
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is the screening instrument most commonly used to identify women with postpartum mood disorders. Â This is a 10-item questionnaire which has been validated in many different populations and is [...]
Because estrogen-containing contraceptives may affect lactation and may increase the risk of thrombosis, progestin-only contraceptives are used in women who are breastfeeding. Â Depo-Provera (DMPA), which contains medroxyprogesterone, is frequently used during the immediate postpartum period [...]
In early studies designed to identify specific risk factors for postpartum depression, unplanned pregnancy was identified as a relatively weak predictor of postpartum depression. Â But there are many different types of unplanned pregnancy. For example, [...]
Researchers from the University of North Carolina's School of Medicine and the Postpartum Depression: Action Towards Causes and Treatment Consortium have just released a free iPhone app which new mothers can use to diagnose postpartum [...]
 As we move toward universal screening for perinatal depression, one of our most significant challenges will be to evaluate and deliver care to the women who are identified as being depressed.  It is discouraging [...]
Biomarkers (or biological markers) are used in many fields of medicine to provide objective information on normal or pathological biological processes and to predict response to therapeutic interventions. Â Researchers have long searched for biomarkers which [...]
