An Investigation of Postpartum Depression Essay -- Biology Essays Rese

An Investigation of Postpartum DepressionMissing Works CitedThe recent Andrea Yates murder examination brought a firestorm of list as the issue of postpartum depression (PPD) became a debated topic throughout the country. Did Andrea truly suffer from psychosis as she drowned her five children in the bathtub or was much(prenominal) defense a scheme to avoid the death sentence? Prosecutors suggested the spousal-revenge theory as a motive for the killings. Could she have committed murder to get subscribe at a possessive and domineering husband? (1). The outcome of the trial was by no means exceptional as it was a murder case, which resulted in a life sentence conviction. It did however, create sensation within the medical field and mainstream public about the historical connection between pregnancy and psychiatrical unwellness. Unfortunately such dialogue also brought long standing misconstrued notions which must be eradicated. Mental illness has been a reality not only for Yates except for millions of women throughout the country. Depression tends to be one of the most prevalent consequences of childbearing as 50% of new mothers report slight bouts of depression, 10% have phrenetic depression and .2% suffer from psychosis(2). Yonkers et. al, further investigated postpartum depression place for minority women in comparison to their Caucasian counterparts. After conducting a postpartum three trial screening which included the Structured Clinical Interview, it was found that depression rates for Latino, Blacks and White racial groups was between 6.5% to 8.5% (3). Regardless of race, all groups of women were susceptible to similar rates of PPD at 3-5 weeks postpartum. Other studies have found that depressive disorders begin even before giving birth... ...s the need for changes in the current drive thru system of childbirth. Hospital be have been reduced as new mothers are quickly sent home without medical resources at their disposal(8). The Andrea Yates tr ial was significant in that it raised awareness of mental illness under a media firestorm. It made the American public aware of the potential actions such illness can cause a someone to do. Dialogue, however, is not a sufficient means in which to properly target and treat PPD. The medical establishment must ensure prevention through mental health screenings and subsequent psychiatric check-ups for new mothers. Through educational campaigns, awareness must be brought to the masses so that the stigma attached to mental illness be eradicated. Hopefully, people will seek proper treatment as there are millions suffering with depression in isolation and silence.