Postpartum depression and symbiotic illusion.

Discusses the phenomenon of postpartum depression from a transgenerational perspective. The concept of symbiosis is taken from the mother's point of view as well as from the baby's. Symbiosis is defined as a delusional 2-person fantasy of mutual dependence rather than as a normal phase of development. Analysis of a case of postnatal depression is presented to illustrate the clinical and theoretical implications of this viewpoint and how it was applied in treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)