What is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?
Postpartum depression, or PPD, is a type of depression that affects women after they give birth. About 13% of women experience PPD in the first year after childbirth, and it can develop any time up to a year after the baby is born. Postpartum depression has deleterious effects on a woman's relationships, her functional status, and her ability to care for her infant. The reduction of PPD is a US priority healthcare need and a major public health concern.
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In Focus
Events Calendar: July 2009
Summer Networking DinnerWhen: JULY 13
Where: Brightwaters, NY
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Patient Brochure
Our
patient brochure, which is available in PDF format in both English and Spanish,
has helpful information about the signs and symptoms of postpartum
depression, and what mothers can do if they need help. Feel free
to download or print them out, and share them with friends and family.
This brochure was developed with the support of NIMH and is available
as a free resource to download, print, and distribute for noncommercial
use. The brochure must be used as is; no changes may be made to the
copy or design.
Download:
» English
Version | » Spanish Version
Medical Updates
Use of modified spectacles and light bulbs to block blue light at night may prevent postpartum depression.
Bennett S, Alpert M, Kubulins V, Hansler RL.
Med Hypotheses. 2009 Aug;73(2):251-3.
This trial tested the efficacy of glasses and light bulbs that blocked blue light, which is thought to suppress production of the sleep hormone, melatonin, which may contribute to PPD.
Screening for postpartum depression at well-child visits: is once enough during the first 6 months of life?
Sheeder J, Kabir K, Stafford B.
Pediatrics. 2009 Jun;123(6):e982-8.
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of maternal depression at well child visits up to 6 months postpartum.
Risk factors for postpartum depression: the role of the Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised (PDPI-R). Results from the Perinatal Depression-Research & Screening Unit (PNDReScU) study.
Oppo A, Mauri M, Ramacciotti D, Camilleri V, Banti S, Borri C, Rambelli C, Montagnani MS, Cortopassi S, Bettini A, Ricciardulli S, Montaresi S, Rucci P, Beck CT, Cassano GB.
Arch Womens Ment Health. 2009 Aug;12(4):239-49.
This study identified frequency of risk factors and during pregnancy and 1 month postpartum and evaluated the predictive validity of the Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised screening tool.
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In The News
Colic in babies may be linked to depression in dads
USA Today, June 26, 2009
Research has shown colic to be more prevalent among babies of depressed mothers, but could colic also be linked to depressed fathers?
Campaign focuses on postpartum depression
Today's Sunbeam, June 19, 2009
As part of the Speak Up When You're Down campaign, The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has produced an informational card listing signs of PPD and phone numbers to call for help.
Health Watch: Postpartum Depression
Fox News New York, June 19, 2009
Fox 5 New York profiles a mother who describes her experience with PPD.
» Click here to view more.
Emergency Assessment
What is a postpartum psychiatric emergency?
Click here to view more.
First Thursday
During our First Thursday teleconference series our expert faculty presented on PPD topics ranging from the latest in
screening and treatment methods to the epidemiology of postpartum psychosis. You can view these archived presentations
online or download them as podcasts or vodcasts and listen at your convenience.
» Click here for more information.
FREE Monthly eZine
Don't have time to go online
to search for the most recent updates? Sign up for our FREE monthly MedEd PPD eZine - our 1-page
summary E-mail.
The MedEd PPD eZine will keep you up-to-date on what's new and relevant.
» To access previous newsletters, click here.
Legislation News
COMBATING POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: SEN. MENENDEZ BEGINS PUSH IN 111TH CONGRESS
MOTHERS Act reintroduced in Senate, was close to passage last year
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today officially kicked off his efforts to secure an increased federal commitment to combating postpartum depression by reintroducing the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act in the Senate. The legislation, which is co-sponsored by Sens. Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME), has support from Senate leadership. It was nearing passage last year, despite being blocked from a vote on the Senate floor by Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK), who has objected to this and other bills targeting specific diseases on ideological grounds.
"We gained significant support for this effort to combat postpartum depression over the last two years, which makes me optimistic that we will be able to deliver this gift to new mothers," said Senator Menendez. "Increasingly, my colleagues in the Senate are learning about the vicious, debilitating nature of postpartum depression and how it affects families, and they understand why this initiative is so important. We have to attack postpartum depression on all fronts - with education, support, and research - so that new moms can feel supported and safe rather than scared and alone."
Postpartum depression is a serious and disabling condition affecting hundreds of thousands of new mothers each year. The new legislation would increase federal efforts to combat postpartum depression by:
- Encouraging Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate and continue research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and find treatments for, postpartum conditions.
- Encouraging a National Public Awareness Campaign, to be administered by HHS, to increase awareness and knowledge of postpartum depression and psychosis.
- Requiring the Secretary of HHS to conduct a study on the benefits of screening for postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.
- Creating a grant program to public or nonprofit private entities to deliver or enhance outpatient, inpatient and home-based health and support services, including case management and comprehensive treatment services for individuals with or at risk for postpartum conditions. Activities may also include providing education about postpartum conditions to new mothers and their families, including symptoms, methods of coping with the illness, and treatment resources, in order to promote earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Let your voice be heard. Contact your senator today and encourage them to support this bill.
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Last Updated: 6/30/2009 1:51:50 PM