It is estimated that there are about 1000 new cases of postnatal depression in Britain every week. The results can be devastating not only to the mother herself, but also to her partner, family, friends. In its most extreme form it can lead to infanticide or suicide. Depression after Childbirth is THE classic text on postnatal depression, one that countless women have found invaluable in helping them understand and cope with this devastating disorder. Now in print for over 20 years, and in its 4th edition, the text has been extensively updated, and includes many new chapters drawing on the latest scientific findings. Included are new chapters on careers and motherhood, coping with stress, a look at the role the partner can play, and the effects on them of PND, and a chapter examining maternal behaviour in animals. The result is a book that will be essential for many women and those around them in helping them through this difficult period.
1. Introduction ; 2. The role of the hormones ; 3. Understanding the action of progesterone ; 4. The blues ; 5. Black depression ; 6. Endless exhaustion ; 7. Irrational irritability ; 8. Not tonight, darling ; 9. Psychosis ; 10. Infanticide and homicide ; 11. Tales of three mothers ; 12. Maternal behaviour in animals ; 13. Who is at risk? ; 14. Premenstrual syndrome ; 15. Treat the cause not the symptoms ; 16. Progesterone preventative treatment ; 17. Stress - can we ease it? ; 18. The medical team ; 19. The three hourly starch diet ; 20. Careers and motherhood ; 21. And fathers too ; 22. A way ahead ; Useful addresses ; Further reading ; Glossary
