What causes Post Natal Depression (PND)?
Key points
- There is no single cause of Post Natal Depression.
- Contrary to what many people believe, PND is not "just hormonal", because fathers and adoptive mothers can suffer from it too.
There is no single cause of Post Natal Depression. Contrary to what many people believe, PND is not "just hormonal", because fathers and adoptive mothers can suffer from it too. A combination of factors can contribute to the condition, such as:
- being a perfectionist,
- lack of support,
- a traumatic birth,
- financial and other stress,
- loneliness,
- an unsatisfactory relationship with the baby's father
- a previous history of depression. A woman is vulnerable when she has recently given birth and the combination of too many stress factors at this time causes some women to develop PND.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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