SORANUS OF EPHESUS (98-138) ON POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Abstract

Although ancient Greek physicians described several mental disorders, their medical texts bring little information about postpartum depression as defined by modern medicine. Only one reference in ancient Greek medical literature - a passage from Soranus’ Gynaeciorum libri IV - can be considered a clear presentation of this mental disorder. Soranus’ interpretation seems to be firmly based on the tenets of the four humours.

Key words: ancient Greek medicine; postpartum depression; mania; melancholy; Soranus of Ephesus