Perinatal mood disorders in a changing culture. A transcultural European and African perspective

Based on the international literature and the author's experience of carrying out studies of postnatal postnatal depression (PND) in Uganda, Scotland and England this paper describes the core components of Culture relevant for a full understanding of the prevention and management of PND. These include culturally sanctioned postnatal rituals as well as other social influences that determine the pathway to care and choice of therapy. The field of perinatal psychiatry is outlined with regard to the specific skins knowledge and attitudes required to practise this sub-specialty. The paper concludes by discussing the possible effect of changing patterns of family life on the transmission of knowledge values and beliefs between generations and the effect of these changes on the status of childbearing and the experience of postnatal depression.