Abstract

Postpartum depression can affect 10–25% women after delivery. The causes of this disorder remain unclear. These women require special diagnosis and therapy. Psychotherapy and pharmacology may be administrated as a treatment, depending on the severity of a depressive episode. There is no single model of treatment for postpartum depression. As a result, numerous surveys are carried out in order to assess available methods. In women diagnosed with a mild or moderate episode of depression, psychotherapy should be recommended, especially interpersonal or cognitive-behavioural. As for pharmacotherapy, the main concern is its potential effect on an embryo or a child. Nevertheless, authors of many investigations suggest administration of drugs, i.e. escitalopram or paroxetin, in severe depressive episodes. Further investigations concerning the treatment of the disorder are indispensable.

Adres: lek. mgr K. Maliszewska
Klinika Położnictwa, Katedra Perinatologii GUMed
ul. Kliniczna 1a, 80-402 Gdańsk
e-mail: kmaliszewska@o2.pl