ACTA FAC MED NAISS 2019;36(3):167-176

Review article

UDC: 616.89:618.4

DOI: 10.5937/afmnai1903167S

Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders: Review of the Research History, Classification, Epidemiological Data, Etiological Factors and Clinical Presentations

Jelena Stojanov¹, Miodrag Stanković^2,3, Olivera Žikić^2,3, Jovana Antonijević²

¹Special Hospital for Psychiatric Diseases „Gornja Toponica“, Niš, Serbia
²University of Niš, Faculty of Medicine, Niš, Serbia
³Centre for Mental Health Protection, Clinical Centre Niš, Serbia

summary


Postpartum psychiatric disorders are mental disorders which occur after childbirth. Untreated depression and anxiety during pregnancy as well as stress and previous episodes of depression are significant risk factors for postpartum psychiatric disorders. Postpartum blues, postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, as well as postpartum anxiety disorders, are most commonly reported after delivery. The occurrence of postpartum depression increases the likelihood of psychiatric morbidity later in life. The presence of psychotic symptomatology with psychomotor agitation and unpredictable behavior is a significant risk factor for suicide or infanticide. Studies have shown that more than half of women with depression during pregnancy or postpartum have some comorbid anxiety disorder. The possibility of developing a panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder increases after delivery, while the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder is reduced during that period of time. A reliable instrument for screening the spectrum of postpartum mental disorders is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale - EPDS. Postpartum psychiatric disorders disturb the central psychological process, i.e. the development of emotional relationship between mother and child, and negatively affects on the behavior, cognitive development and physical health of the child.

Key words: delivery, postpartum, depression, psychosis, anxiety disorders