A REVIEW OF RISK FACTORS AND MANAGEMENT OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Athira S.*, Feba Mathew, Feba John and Elsa Baby Jacob

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy and postpartum are the suitable period for the onset and relapse of mental illness. Maternal well-being is very important for the proper growth of the child because Maternity depression can lead to lower birth weight of infants, poor long term cognitive development. PPD usually develops within 6 months of childbirth. It is one of the most common psychological health problems affecting 10% -15% of women. Child interactions including Breast feeding and bonding are the major consequences of the postpartum depression. In majority of cases the symptoms of this health problem happens during the first four weeks after the child birth and reaches its peak level during the first six months. The effective ways for the management of the PPD mainly include supportive IPT, psychosocial support through support group, pharmacological interventions, cognitive therapy, self-help strategies and complimentary therapies.

Keywords: Postpartum depression, maternity depression, interpersonal psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, postpartum illness.