DEPRESSION DURING PREGNANCY AND THE PUERPERIUM

Epidemiologic studies demonstrate a twofold higher rate of depression in women than in men. The childbearing years are a lime of increased r isk for onset of depression in women. Pregnancy, miscarriage or pregna ncy loss, infertility, and the postpartum period may challenge a woman 's mental health. Virtually no life event rivals the neuroendocrine an d psychosocial changes associated with pregnancy and childbirth. This paper provides a brief overview of depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period, incidence, risk factors, and complications of depr ession during pregnancy and the puerperium sire discussed to aid the c linician in early identification of at-risk patients. Treatment recomm endations are also provided based on the available literature, clinica l experience, and consideration of the possible special circumstances (i.e., breast-feeding) of this population of women.