An overview of postpartum psychiatric disorders

The purpose of this review is to highlight reasons why increased attention should be paid to the prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders at childbirth. The two main psychiatric disorders that are associated with childbirth--postnatal depression and postpartum psychosis--are reviewed, together with a discussion of the maternity blues. An overview of each condition is presented, identifying incidence rates, clinical manifestations, and appropriate treatment approaches. Recommendations are made for coordination and development of services as a means to achieve prevention and treatment of postpartum psychiatric disorders.