O Estado de Ânimo de Mulheres no Pós-Parto The State of Mood of Women in Postpartum

Objective: To outline the profile of the state of mood of puerperal women in the city of Inga, Paraiba, Brazil. Material and Methods: This was a quantitative research including 100 women, who were randomly chosen and interviewed from October 2008 to September 2009. Data collection was conducted through an interview and application of a semi-structured questionnaire. Data from this study were stored in worksheets on Microsoft Excel allowing for statistical analysis. Results: This study demonstrated that 29 (29%) of women scored 13 points or more on the Edinburgh scale, which characterizes a suggestive diagnosis of depression. The incidence of postpartum depression (PD) was found to vary from 6.8 to 16.5% of the women. In addition, this study pointed to the occurrence of behavioral, affective, cognitive and social disorders, as well as changes in brain activity. In this regard, we emphasize that without preventive interventions, children at risk such depressed mothers are exposed to developing serious problems. Conclusion: As there are many risk factors involved in the etiology of PD and in view of the importance of public health for mother-baby, it is highlighted the need for early and effective diagnosis, as well as appropriate treatment of mood disorders in women in the puerperal state by a multidisciplinary team, in order to better assist them while are sufficiently weakened.