[Therapeutic education and the increased risk of postpartum depression]

Abstract

Postpartum depression affects approximately 13% of women irrespective of ethnic group and culture. In fact, it represents the main request for hospitalisation of a non-obstetric type for pregnant women. This is a particularly significant fact considering that women affected by postpartum depression have a depressive relapse twice as frequently compared with other women during a period of five years. Their children are exposed to an ambiguous relationship which does not help their cognitive, psychological and emotional development. Furthermore, in the most severe cases it can determine a serious risk for their life. Despite this, the syndrome symptoms and consequences are still not widely known and data seem to be underestimated both quantitatively and qualitatively. The present survey tries to study the causes producing this situation. It offers as well therapeutical and educational trends of intervention of a preventive and predictive type in order to control at least the major risk that can occur.