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Life Events and Social Support in Puerperal Depression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

E. S. Paykel ,
E. M. Emms ,
J. Fletcher  and
E. S. Rassaby
E. S. Paykel
Affiliation:
St George's Hospital Medical School, London SW17
E. M. Emms
Affiliation:
St George's Hospital Medical School, London SW17
J. Fletcher
Affiliation:
St George's Hospital Medical School, London SW17
E. S. Rassaby
Affiliation:
St George's Hospital Medical School, London SW17
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Summary

A 20 per cent prevalence of mild clinical depression was found in 120 women assessed at about six weeks postpartum. The strongest associated factor was occurrence of recent stressful life events. Previous history of psychiatric disorder, younger age, early postpartum blues, and a group of variables reflecting poor marital relationship and absence of social support were also notable. Poor marital support acted as a vulnerability factor, only producing an effect in presence of stressful life events. Previous psychiatric history produced a strong independent effect, both with and without life events. Postpartum blues were only associated with depression in the absence of life events, suggesting a small hormonal sub-group. Overall the findings indicate the importance of social stress in puerperal depression.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 136 , Issue 4 , April 1980 , pp. 339 - 346
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1980 

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