Evaluation and Treatment for Postpartum Depression.

Postpartum depression (PPD),one of the most common complications after childbirth, is a common, potentially disabling and even life-threatening disease. About one seventh peripartum and postpartum women were subjected to PPD. The apparent effects of untreated PPD on those postpartum women individuals include distress and functional impairment. PPD is actually associated with negative effects on the growth and development in their children. Fortunately, PPD is detectable in routine practice, and there are effective treatments. Studies indicated that both biological and psychosocial factors contributed to PPD pathogenesis. So, clinical treatment of PPD should combine pharmacotherapy with psychotherapy, in which pharmacotherapy includes antidepressants and hormonal therapy. Since there is wide and far effect of breast -feeding on infant development and psychological health, it is the point at issue whether to stop breast-feeding in those PPD women who are taking medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]