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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after Childbirth

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

C. G. Ballard ,
A. K. Stanley  and
I. F. Brockington
C. G. Ballard*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Birmingham
A. K. Stanley
Affiliation:
Queen Elizabeth Psychiatric Hospital, Birmingham
I. F. Brockington
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Birmingham
*
Dr Ballard, Department of Psychiatry, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Psychiatric Hospital, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham B15 2QZ
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Abstract

Background

There has been discussion about the possible occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in mothers after difficult childbirth.

Method

Four cases with a symptom profile suggestive of PTSD commencing within 48 hours of childbirth are presented.

Results

The PTSD was in each case associated with the delivery. In each case, there was an associated depressive illness. All four had persistent disorders, and two had difficulties with mother/infant attachment.

Conclusion

As confirmed by other reports, the prevalence of PTSD associated with childbirth is a matter of concern.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 166 , Issue 4 , April 1995 , pp. 525 - 528
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1995 

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