Postpartum Psychiatric Problems

The author of this little book draws attention to the lack of dependable information on postpartum mental disorders and to the relative neglect of these disorders by researchers. He has collected the astute observations of clinicians of the past and presents them in association with the findings of more recent and controlled clinical studies of postpartum syndromes. Emphasis is placed on the physiological changes subsequent to childbirth and the etiological significance of these changes in the causation of postpartum mental illness. The attempt to integrate all this information falls somewhat short of its objective. However, the value of the book to the practicing physician or psychiatrist does not suffer to any great extent. The chapters on early recognition and criteria for diagnosis are excellent. Suggested lines of treatment are both sensible and practical, though somewhat repetitive. The author presents his views clearly and simply. Illustrative case histories are helpful in