Question

proposition of postpartum depression theory ?

Answer 1

# Postpartum depression theory

# Introduction

Postpartum depression is the most prevalent emotional problem during a women's lifespan. Untreated postpartum depression may lead to several consequences such as child, infant, fetal, and maternal effects.

Different theories were suggested for developing postpartum depression. Three theories, namely, biological, psychosocial, and evolutionary were discussed. One theory or combinations of psychosocial, biological, and evolutionary theories were considered for postpartum depression.

The most important factor that makes clinicians’ choice of intervention is their theoretical perspectives. Healthcare providers and physicians should help women to make informed choices regarding their treatment based on related theories.

# postpartum period ( ppd)

The postpartum period is recognized as the time when many women are vulnerable to a variety of emotional symptoms. The most prevalent mental or emotional problem associated with childbirth is postpartum depression (PPD).

PPD is one of the psychiatric conditions that is amenable to treatment, early recognition is a significant task for all physicians who are working with women during prenatal and postnatal period and can help them in providing treatment plans to reduce their distress.

# Theory for developing postpartum depression

1. Biological theory

2.psychosocial theory

3.evolutionary theory

# Biological Theories

Beck (2002) stressed that one of the theoretical bases of PPD is the medical model which is considered as an illness as well as a medical condition. It is also a personal pathological mood disorder which is not considered to be a result of social or environmental conditions. From this point of view, women are passive individuals in the medical model who are under influence of biological factors.They suffer more from depression episodes around particular periods during their lifespan.

# Psychosocial Theory

Specific neurophysiological and neurochemical changes in the brain are triggered by psychosocial stressors and interpersonal events that significantly change the neurotransmitter balance. It is considered that depression is related with psychosocial stressors as described below.

≈ Psychodynamic theory

The psychodynamic point of view supports the idea that some unfinished business in women's childhood or family may cause more psychological troubles after birth. Women have a tendency to imitate their own mother's role as soon as they become mother after birth, however, if there is a rejection in accepting their own mother's role, they have trouble coping or adapting to their new role of motherhood.

≈ Cognitive psychology theory

The cognitive approach instead of postulating internal conflicts in psychodynamic theory emphasizes certain characteristics of personality which predispose new mothers to PPD. It is the unrealistic expectation of childbirth and motherhood which may cause mothers to be anxious, controlling, perfectionist, and exhibit compulsive tendencies.

≈ Social and interpersonal theory

Egeline (2008) contends that environment plays a significant role in an individual's life.Attachment theory says that interpersonal struggles in an individual's life have significant influences on mental health.

≈ Behavioral theory

According to the behavioral theory, depressive episode can result from major life events that disrupt an individual's normal support pattern.Life stressors and psychological problems such as parent's divorce, low parental emotional support, mother-daughter conflict, and self-esteem are predictors of PPD.

# Evolutionary theory

Scholars have suggested relevant adaptive functions for PPD which are consistent with ideas of evolutionary theorists. Usually the women experiences negative effects such as gloomy and depressed mood due to problems concerning the infant, marital problems, and lack of social support associated with the social and family environment. Some women, who suffer from major PPD and with symptoms such as psychomotor retardation, weight loss, loss of interest in activities, lack of concentration, and constant suicidal thoughts may sometimes not seek social support. Moreover, actions that women take to reduce these psychological problems predispose her to PPD.

# Symptoms of postpartum depression

The symptoms of postpartum depression affect your quality of life and include:

• * Feeling sad or down often.
• * Frequent crying or tearfulness.
• * Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious.
• * Loss of interest or pleasure in life.
• * Loss of appetite.
• * Less energy and motivation to do things.
• * Difficulty sleeping, including trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, or sleeping more than usual.
• * Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty.
• * Unexplained weight loss or gain.
• * Feeling like life isn’t worth living.
• * Showing little interest in your baby.
• * Not feeling attached to your baby.

# What causes postpartum depression?

The exact cause isn’t known. Hormone levels change during pregnancy and right after childbirth. Those hormone changes may produce chemical changes in the brain. This plays a part in causing depression.

Postpartum depression is more likely to occur if you have had any of the following:

• * Previous postpartum depression.
• * Depression not related to pregnancy.
• * Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• * A difficult or very stressful marriage or relationship.
• * Few family members or friends to talk to or depend on.
• * Stressful life events during pregnancy or after childbirth (such as severe illness during pregnancy, premature birth, or a difficult delivery).