Long-term outcome of post-partum psychiatric illness requiring admission.

Among 65 women admitted to a mother and baby unit within 6 months post-partum, 53 were followed up for an average of 8.8 years. Women who had no previous history of psychiatric illness or who had experienced previous puerperal illness only, did significantly better at follow-up. The majority of these women had presented with a clinical picture of major depression. Past psychiatric history is confirmed as an important prognostic indicator in post-partum illnesses.