[Psychiatric disorders and psychopathologic manifestations associated with pregnancy and postpartum in Cameroon]

This retrospective study was conducted from Januaty 1, 2002 to May 31, 2004 to ascertain the sociodejnographlc profile of women phychiatric disorders and psychopathologic manifestations during puerperiuni and determine the most common clinical entities at the Jamot Hospital in Yaounde, Cameroon. Study included 40 paturient women who presented psychiatric disorders related to pregnancy, postpartum, abortion, or breastfeeding. Most patients (80%) were less than 34 years of age including 50% under 20 years. Psychiatric disorders were often observed in married women (62.5%) but one of three women (30%) in this study was single. Most of these women (85%) had no income. Primagravid women accounted for 35% of the cohort. Manifestations generally began after delivery (80%) but sometimes appeared during pregnancy (12.5%). A particularly noteworthy finding of this study is the high rate of late postpartum or breastfeeding psychosis. In 40% of cases symptoms appeared between 1 and 6 months after delivery. Acute psychosis was by far the most frequent disorder (77.5%) followed by depression (15%) and manic fits (7.5%). With regard to symbolic representations and social implications, we concur with the Bell people in considering that these manifestations are related to anemia resulting from massive blood loss after delivery. This occurs during the traditional hot water massages performed to eliminate lochia (blood and debris). This sudden blood loss is called "esere meld" in the Ewondo language. In contrast it is considered as lochia retention due to the lack of massage by the Bassa people who use the term "ndjeg gwal" or delivery madness.