Here is an interesting story from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune on the process for the revision of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual andthe huge fights thatgo on when deciding what goes in the manual and what stays out. What should be considered a mental disorder? What shouldn't?
Postpartum Depression is not listed asa separate and distinct illness in the current DSM. It is listed under Major Depression as depression with postpartum onset within the 4 weeks postpartum, which is, of course, crazy. PPD can show up any time in the first 12 MONTHS postpartum. I hope they update the manual to more correctly reflect perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
I've started studying and researching about panic disorder. After reading your post, wow there are actually much more to disorders than what I had imagine. Thank you for opening my eyes.