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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

Postnatal depression: an update

Dominic T S Lee1, Tony K H Chung

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong. tak.lee@mac.com

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology
|December 13, 2006
PubMed

Apart from causing emotional suffering, postnatal depression strains marriage, undermines the mother's confidence, impairs her social functioning and quality of life, and in serious cases contributes to infant abuses, infanticides and suicidal behaviour. Recent studies also show that postnatal depression adversely affects emotional, behavioural and cognitive development of the newborn. In addition, there is growing awareness that depression can occur during pregnancy, and antenatal depression can adversely affect obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Antenatal depressive symptoms are also the strongest predictor of postnatal depression. This paper reviews the epidemiology, clinical presentation, risk factors, prevention and treatment of perinatal depression. The latest development in research and practice related to this condition are also highlighted.

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