Rada Dagher Corrects Misinformation About Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis
A new mother was shot and killed by police after ramming a barricade at the White House in her car last week, setting off an epidemic of fear and misinformation in the media about the effects of postpartum depression. Rada Dagher, a University of Maryland professor who specializes in postpartum depression, published an op-ed piece in the Baltimore Sun correcting misinformation about the tragedy.
Postpartum depression is characterized by symptoms such as diminished interest, fear, and guilt, but does not cause delirious thoughts and usually does not result in physical endangerment of the mother or child. Dr. Dagher states that the extreme symptoms experienced by the victim of last week’s tragedy were not consistent with postpartum depression, and are more likely to be a result of postpartum psychosis combined with the stress of financial worries and lack of social support. Postpartum psychosis only occurs in connection with one or two out of every thousand deliveries.
Dr. Dagher warns that the inflammatory media coverage of last week’s tragedy may contribute to stigmatization and fear of postpartum depression, which is a relatively common condition in new mothers. About half a million women experience postpartum depression in the United States every year, but the stigma associated with mental illness prevents many of them from seeking care. Instead of engaging in rampant speculation, Dr. Dagher says, we should be asking what more we can do to prevent and treat mental health disorders among new mothers.