Postnatal depression 'in the genes'

From the November 2nd edition of The Observer:

By Amelia Hill, social affairs correspondent

Fresh medical research suggests the serious mental illness which bedevils new mothers may be due to nature, not nurture

The most severe form of postnatal depression, which affects one in 500 new mothers and has been linked to suicide and infanticide, could be genetic, according to new research.

It is also claimed, in a separate piece of research, that thousands more women could suffer postnatal depression than currently thought, with up to 17,250 late-onset cases a year in the UK going undetected.

It was believed that the mood disorders affecting up to 75 per cent of new mothers were caused by the women's circumstances, personality and hormonal changes.

But according to a study by Cardiff University, Birmingham University and Trinity College, Dublin, funded by medical charity the Wellcome Trust, the most severe form of postnatal depression - postpartum psychosis - has a genetic cause. The study is now working to isolate the gene, which will enable doctors to identify and treat high-risk women before they fall ill.

To read the entire article, click here.

Can childbirth make you lose touch with reality?

To read this article written by Jo Ciavaglia and published in the October 12th edition of the Bucks County Courier Times, click here.

What is postpartum psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis is a rare mental condition that typically develops within the first two weeks after delivery, but can appear within the first three months. Women with a personal or family history of psychosis, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are at an increased risk of developing postpartum psychosis.

Signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis may include:

• Confusion and disorientation

• Hallucinations and delusions

• Paranoia

• Attempts to harm yourself or the baby

• Rapidly shifting moods

• Restlessness and insomnia

What is postpartum depression?

A serious mental condition whose symptoms can include mood swings, uncontrollable crying, fatigue or exhaustion, feelings of guilt, thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, inadequacy or worthlessness, lack of interest in the baby and other common signs. Women with postpartum depression rarely harm their baby.

Other environmental factors can aggravate symptoms such as the temperament of the baby, an unsupportive or absent partner or extreme stress. The symptoms can last for months and often require professional treatment.

Source: Mayoclinic.com

Did you know?

• Experts say fewer than 20 percent of postpartum psychosis sufferers will speak to their health care provider about their symptoms.

• Women who have already experienced postpartum depression or psychosis have a 20-50 percent chance of it recurring after future births, according to research.