Post-Partum Reactions in Men and Women
Irving Bieber and Toby B. Bieber
The acute delirium psychosis affecting women in the 3 — 14 day period post partum is well-known. In describing this condition, Hamilton (1962) estimated that it occurred once in 1000 deliveries. The depressive reaction characterized by seemingly unaccountable tearfulness in the 3 — 10-day post-partum period is also well recognized, but a syndrome that appears not uncommonly in women and men during the first year and beyond following the birth of a child seems to elude the psychiatric attention it deserves.
The signs and symptoms we have observed in both sexes that define the syndrome include combinations of acute anxiety, depression, psychosomatic disorders, changes in affectional responses toward the spouse, changes in sexual behavior, the onset of various types of frigidity in the woman, potency difficulties in the man, an apparent loss of interest in the marriage, and the first involvement in extramarital relations often leading to divorce. Disturbances may also oc
[This is a summary or excerpt from the full text of the book or article. The full text of the document is available to subscribers.]
madziewicz