ABSTRACT
Postnatal depression (PND) is a common condition, occurring in 10-20" of all newly delivered mothers at some stage within the first postnatal year. The term 'postnatal' has no implication other than the timing of the illness, and is ill defined, even in this respect. The classical presentation of PND is not very different from the symptoms of depression occurring at other times, although some of the typical features may be confused by the simultaneous physical and environmental changes associated with the puerperal state. Symptoms to enquire for are: persistent low mood, anxiety and irritability, sleep disturbance, lack of energy and enthusiasm, poor appetite, inability to cope with daily chores, poor concentration and memory. Low mood is usually accompanied by loss of enjoyment in normally happy activities. Loss of Libido is a normal occurrence during the postpartum year, and may even be the remnant of a primitive instinct towards suitable spacing of pregnancies.
