Prenatal Depression: A Correlate of Postpartum Depression

Thesis (M.Nurs.), College of Nursing, Washington State UniversityA previous episode of a mood disorder predisposes mothers to developing postpartum depression (PPD). The most common risk factor associated with the development of PPD is a past history of depression (Areias, Kumar, Barros & Figueiredo, 1996). The negative impact of postnatal depression (PND) to families, mothers and children can be devastating. The ability to recognize PPD and, more importantly, to identify who is most susceptible for developing PPD, may enable clinicians to preemptively treat and/or prevent PPD; thereby reducing the emotional and physical costs of this treatable illness