Postpartum Depression Michael Hoerger

Background Postpartum or postnatal = after birth Postpartum or postnatal = after birth Low mood, loss of pleasure, hopelessness, sleep and appetite problems Low mood, loss of pleasure, hopelessness, sleep and appetite problems 3 types: 3 types: Baby Blues: 80% Baby Blues: 80% Postpartum depression: 5% Postpartum depression: 5% Postpartum psychosis: 0.1% Postpartum psychosis: 0.1%

Validity? “The feeling associated with giving up something loved—or at least something that is a part of ourselves and familiar—is depression.” –M. Scott Peck “The feeling associated with giving up something loved—or at least something that is a part of ourselves and familiar—is depression.” –M. Scott Peck Prior depression, anxiety, stress Prior depression, anxiety, stress Pathologizing women? Pathologizing women?

Etiology Overestimating happiness Overestimating happiness Stress, low social support, single parent, marital problems Stress, low social support, single parent, marital problems Parental efficacy expectations Parental efficacy expectations Difficult temperament, health problems Difficult temperament, health problems

Consequences Physical growth Physical growth Behavior problems Behavior problems Emotional problems Emotional problems

Prevention What can be done by the individual to prevent postpartum depression? What can be done by the individual to prevent postpartum depression? What can be done by society? What can be done by society?

Michael Hoerger Michael Hoerger To cite this lecture: Hoerger, M. (2007, January 22). Postpartum Depression. Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central Michigan University. Hoerger, M. (2007, January 22). Postpartum Depression. Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central Michigan University.