Is post-natal depression hereditary?

princess5 · 08-05-2005, 11:57 AM

I was wondering whether post-natal depression and more specifically pueperal psychosis is something that can be inherited from your mother? My mum had severe PND and psychosis within a day or so of having both me and my brother and she had to be treated in a special unit for 6-8 weeks both times.

I am terrified that if i start a family then the same thing will happen to me. My mum has severe clinical depression anyway now whereas i don't. i have been what i would class as moderately depressed before but nothing to warrant serious attention.

Does anyone have any ideas or experience of this? Thanks so much!

intensity_too · 08-08-2005, 09:24 PM

Here's my insight . . .

Depression, in general, tends to have a hereditary component to it. If you have a parent or parents that have/had severe depression, it's more likely you will suffer from it. It doesn't mean you will but you have a greater chance.

As far as post partum depression or psychosis . . . if you already suffer depression you take a huge leap forward in having PPD. By-polar disorder seems to be a better indicator of your risk of post partum psychosis. If Bi-polar is in your family, it's more likely you'll suffer from a post partum mental illness.

My personal experience . . . my father suffers from bi-polar disorder. I had bouts of mild depression most of my life. Nothing to get too excited about and never saw a doctor. After the birth of my first child, I suffered what I thought was severe post partum depression. I was placed on medication but never saw a psychiatrist about it. My current psychiatrist believes I was suffering from post partum psychosis and should have been hospitalized. I have remained on my medication since then with a short 6 week break after having my second son. I then had to go back on because of post partum depression.

I wouldn't be scared to start a family with your family history. The fact that you are aware that it is in the family and you know the symptoms is great. As long as your spouse is aware of the possibility that you may suffer some form of mental illness post birth and knows the signs to look for, I think you are fine. Don't let your mother's history stop you from become a mother yourself!