The contribution of biological factors to the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders in the postpartum period: a survey

The contribution of biological factors to the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders in the postpartum period: a survey A review of the literature on the three major psychiatric disorders of the postpartum period: maternity blues, postpartum depression and puerperal psychosis is presented. Concerning maternity blues and postpartum depression research has been centered around modifications in the metabolism of L-tryptophan, progesterone and the endorphines, without coming to a clear biopsychophysiological model to explain these disorders. As for puerperal psychosis, attention has been paid to dopamine and beta-enkephaline. It is concluded that for the moment Mle are far away from a consensus oil the bio-etiology of psychiatric disorders after childbirth.