POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER (PTSD) AFTER CHILDBIRTH

Background. There has been discussion about the possible occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in mothers after difficult chil dbirth. Method. Four cases with a symptom profile suggestive of PTSD c ommencing within 48 hours of childbirth are presented. Results. The PT SD was in each case associated with the delivery. In each case, there was an associated depressive illness. All four had persistent disorder s, and two had difficulties with mother/infant attachment. Conclusion. As confirmed by other reports, the prevalence of PTSD associated with childbirth is a matter of concern.