Role functioning of Depression
DEPRESSION DURING THE perinatal period is a major public health concern. Approximately 13% of women experience postpartum depression (PPD; [O’Hara and Swain 1996]). Up to half of these women have episodes that last 7 months or longer [England et al 1994]. The most significant factor in the duration of the PPD is delay in seeking treatment [England et al 1994]. As with other cases of major depression, PPD is characterized by mood alterations, disturbed cognitive processes, and physical symptoms which result in poor role functioning at work, school, in social, family and personal relationships, and in less satisfaction in the ...