June 21, 2001--
It's hard to imagine that depression could be so bad it would lead a mother to kill her children. Most of the time, post partum depression is a very treatable illness.
But in extreme cases, the so called "baby blues" can turn into a much more dangerous disorder.
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Post partum depression is an illness few mothers acknowledge, but up to 20 percent will suffer from it.
Dr. Diana Dell, psychiatrist - There's something about the changing hormones , combination of not being able
to sleep and the enormous demands and the enormous anxiety associated with
childcare that seems to put women at risk.
So does a history of depression.
symptoms are similar to
depression - loss of energy, feeling hopeless, bouts of crying. A woman may
also have thoughts about hurting herself or her baby. therapy and in some cases
medication can help.
In rare cases, depression takes a dangerous turn, called post-partum psychosis,
some women become so depressed they contemplate suicide, or killing their baby.
Others are women who misperceive, psychotic in the more conventional sense, who
misperceive what is happening with their infant, seeing their infant as
pursuing them or threateniing them.
Dr. Dell says psychotics may not even understand the horror of their deeds.
I think one of the most important piece to take away from this particular
tragedy is that post partum depression is common, it's treatable and people get
better.
Dr. Dell says its important for pregnant women with a history of depression or other mental illness to seek help before she delivers.
Researchers are studying the role of various hormones including ones produced by breastfeeding mothers.
Studies show some cases of postpartum depression develop after a woman stops breastfeeding.
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