The case of Andrea Yates illustrates how a biological event (the birth of a baby) can result in the onset of a very serious psychological disorder (postpartum mood disorders with psychotic features).

Does this mean that childbirth is the reason for this disorder? Why or why not? Be sure to use the research literature and support your arguments with research data.

But some women, up to 1 in 7, experience a much more serious mood disorder—postpartum depression (PPD). (Postpartum psychosis, a condition that may involve psychotic symptoms like delusions or hallucinations, is a different disorder and is very rare.) Unlike the baby blues, PPD doesn’t go away on its own

What puts you at risk for postpartum psychosis?

The most significant risk factors for postpartum psychosis are a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, or a previous psychotic episode. Of the women who develop a postpartum psychosis, research has suggested that there is approximately a 5% suicide rate and a 4% infanticide rate associated with the illness.