POSTPARTUM BLUES - A REVIEW OF THE LITERA TURE

The abundant literature dealing with the postpartum blues has failed t o describe a possible causing factor in these emotional and physical m anifestations which are frequently observed in mothers during the firs t few days following delivery. The post partum blues has been consider ed as a promising model for depressive states but its function has nev er been clearly established. No agreement has been reached as to its p hysiological mechanism. Presently there is a renewed interest for the << third day blues >> in relation to post-birth depression, which is k nown to be frequent, and to the early interactions. The authors presen t a review of the literature and emphasize the necessity to approach t his issue from a new standpoint and with new conceptual and measuremen t tools. The role of post partum blues could well be, through a biolog ical process involving the dopamine, to facilitate the establishment o f early mother-infant bonds by provoking a decrease in blunted affect.