If you know of someone who is family planning, is pregnant or has suffered from postpartum depression, this study may of interest you.
The report could be useful for helping these persons or for dealing with their depression.
Researchers found that intimate partner violence is common among women reporting symptoms of post natal depression.
They found that depression was associated with physical and emotional abuse in 40% of women and that emotional abuse is more common that physical abuse.
Participants for the study were 1,305 women pregnant for the first time and were between 6-24 weeks gestation. They were given questionaires on recruitment and at 3, 6 and 12 months pregnant.
After taking into account age and unemployment, the risk of depression was 3 times higher in women who had suffered emotional abuse and 4 times higher in those who suffered physical abuse.
Health professionals are advised to be aware of these findings and to regularly enquire about a women's mental health especially during the 12 months after birth.
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