Provide an overview of postpartum depression and identify a possible cause
What will be an ideal response?
A good answer would include the following key points:
- Postpartum depression is defined as a period of deep depression following the birth of a child; it affects some 10% of all new mothers. Its main symptom is an enduring, deep feeling of sadness and unhappiness, lasting for months or even years.
- Mothers who have suffered with depression in the past and women unprepared for the emotional upheaval following birth, are more likely to suffer postpartum depression.
- Postpartum depression may be triggered by the swings in hormone production that occurs after birth. Estrogen and progesterone plunge to normal levels 24 hours after birth, which may result in depression.
You might also like to view...
Mothers who are impatient with their infants and who prefer other activities to
interacting with their infants are likely to foster __________ attachment. a. secure b. resistant c. avoidant d. ambivalent e. unsuccessful
Electroconvulsive therapy ________
a. is most effective if administered several times a week for several weeks b. is more effective in treating schizophrenic disorders than mood disorders c. often results in memory impairment d. has no side effects