부산대학교 도서관

Postpartum depression (PPD) has been a focus of research since 1970. Approximately 12 to 15 percent of mothers suffer from PPD. The disorder is defined as the onset of depression occurring within days or weeks after childbirth. Symptoms include sadness, frequent crying or tearfulness, loss of interest or pleasure in life, loss of appetite, loss of motivation, irritability, fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep, and feelings of hopelessness and guilt. PPD can arise days, weeks, or even months after childbirth. The most common onset is within a few days of delivery, perhaps due to the hormonal changes that the body experiences. Some women acquire PPD two to six weeks postpartum due to neuroendocrine changes and lifestyle changes that accompany caring for the infant. No one theory accounts for all cases of PPD, but almost all researchers in this area agree on the importance of biological and psychosocial factors in the development of PPD.