Watch CBS News

Post-Partum Depression Typically Not Linked To Violence: Expert

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Family members of the woman behind the wheel of the car in Washington D.C. yesterday say Miriam Carey experienced post-partum depression--but one expert says there may be more going on.

Post-Partum Depression Not Linked To Violence

Carey was fatally shot by police after she rammed a gate near the White House and then sped across downtown to the U.S. Capitol.

Psychosis and bipolar disorder are more likely to lead to violent outbursts than post-partum depression, WBBM Newsradio's Brandis Friedman reports.

Northwestern Medicine Women's Health Psychiatrist, Dr. Nehama Dresner explains women sometimes suffer depression in the last weeks of pregnancy and after delivery.

But she says in cases of violence, the woman may be suffering more, like psychosis or bipolar disorder

The symptoms--like violence or impaired judgement--are harder to manage, during a challenge like new motherhood.

"They don't seem to bounce back from those feelings, that roller-coaster of emotions that most women experience after the birth of a baby," explains Dr. Dresner.

"That kind of behavior comes from another source," she says. "They may have other challenges, either circumstantial or mental health challenges, such as psychosis. It's not common at all for women with post-partum depression to become violent."

CBS News has learned Carey had previously made delusional statements to police that President Obama was listening to her and communicating with her.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.