New Mothers Should be Screened for Postpartum Depression

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry has revealed that one out of seven new mothers could be in the throes of postpartum depression.

This is a form of depression which is thought to have its cause in the changes in hormones experienced during pregnancy and after delivery. The depression can be moderate and in some cases even severe.

Dr. Katherine Wisner, the study's lead author said, "The vast majority of postpartum women with depression are not identified or treated even though they are at higher risk for psychiatric disorders. A lot of women do not understand what is happening to them. They think they're just stressed or they believe it is how having a baby is supposed to feel."

Some experts are of the opinion that all women should be screened for postpartum depression. Treatment and therapy can help relieve women of the symptoms and a lot many victims can begin to enjoy the joys of motherhood without feeling low.



Source: Medindia