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Postnatal euphoria: are ‘the highs’ an indicator of bipolarity?
Author(s) -
Heron Jessica,
Craddock Nick,
Jones Ian
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
bipolar disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.285
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1399-5618
pISSN - 1398-5647
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2005.00185.x
Subject(s) - mania , euphoriant , mood , psychiatry , postpartum psychosis , psychology , mood disorders , depression (economics) , bipolar disorder , psychosis , postpartum period , clinical psychology , medicine , pregnancy , anxiety , genetics , biology , economics , macroeconomics
Research into postnatal mood disorders to date has concentrated on depressive syndromes of varying severity and full‐blown acute puerperal mania. However, clinical experience, backed up by a review of the literature, indicates that milder hypomanic symptoms also occur in the early puerperium. Although these symptoms may often be regarded as clinically insignificant, there is evidence that the experience of minor puerperal elation may be a predictor of later postpartum depression. In addition, studying mild puerperal high mood may provide insights into the pathophysiology of more severe puerperal mania and psychosis. This paper critically reviews the literature on milder forms of high mood occurring in the puerperium and discusses the potential clinical and research significance of ‘the highs’.