Lessons From the Sheryl Massip Trial

Re the Sheryl Massip trial: One day, we’ll understand the biochemistry of postpartum depression and regard today’s attitudes (as reflected by the verdict in the Massip case) as Neanderthal. It’s amazing how much hormones affect our moods, perceptions, even our behavior.

It’s unfortunate that Massip’s attorney wasn’t allowed to present evidence from other, more “progressive” cultures--i.e., England and France. In England, preventive injections of the hormone progesterone administered immediately after birth are not uncommon.

Postpartum depression is where premenstrual syndrome was less than 10 years ago. It is assumed symptoms are “in our head.” Thus we’re “in charge” and can control them--if we’d just do everything right. While the “Mothers’ Mental Health Checklist” offers constructive suggestions for all new mothers, for the small percentage with a serious postpartum depression or a postpartum psychosis, they are of little value.

There are parallels between postpartum depression and PMS. Ninety percent of women with serious postpartum depression experience PMS thereafter. Both respond to natural progesterone therapy which is still not readily available. Effective treatment requires information, initiative and a supportive husband or family member. Not recognizing you’re disturbed is characteristic of the affliction.

Getting effective treatment also requires a willingness to let go of our assumptions that most doctors know best. Most physicians are no more informed than most jurors are. Fortunately, there are doctors who recognize and treat postpartum depression as the hormonal disorder it is--i.e., one who is going to offer more than “mental health suggestions.” PMS Action, a national nonprofit organization, maintains a list of such doctors.

VIRGINIA CASSARA

Irvine

Cassara is executive director of Premenstrual Syndrome Action Inc.