If you, or your family, have a history of psychiatric illness, this is a significant risk factor for postpartum depression. Women who have had previous episodes of depression unrelated to pregnancy have a 10% to 40% chance of developing postpartum depression, while women who have had previous episodes of postpartum depression have a 50% rate of recurrence in later pregnancies.
Several psychosocial risk factors are associated with postpartum depression. These include marital problems, stressful life events, mixed emotions about being a mother, unrealistic expectations, financial difficulties, isolation from family or friends and single parenthood.
High scores on neuroticism scales prior to pregnancy have also been associated with postpartum depression.
Source:
Jacobson, James L. and Alan M. Jacobson. Psychiatric Secrets. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA : Hanley & Belfus, Inc., 2001.
