Sadder but fitter. The evolutionary function of depressive symptoms following fetal loss

Binser, Martin J. and Spörrle, Matthias and Wolf, Sebastian and Försterling, Friedrich (2004): Sadder but fitter. The evolutionary function of depressive symptoms following fetal loss. 44. Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Psychologie, 26.-30.09.2004, Göttingen.

Abstract

A literature review about an evolutionary model of fetal loss depression is presented. This model conceptualizes depression following miscarriage or stillbirth as an evolutionary protective mechanism to avoid further fetal loss. It postulates that depressive symptoms delay the next reproduction and save maternal resources. These symptoms along with hypochondric symptoms of depression which lead to a search for causes and reappraisal of environmental factors, are probably adaptations to causes of further fetal loss (e.g. epidemics, famines, infections, environmental toxins).

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
• Published in: Rammsayer, T. and Grabianowski, S. and Troche, S. (eds.) . (2004): 44. Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Psychologie: 100 Jahre Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychologie. Pabst Science Publishers: Lengerich
• Keywords: depression ; theory of evolution ; fetal loss ; adaptation
• Collections: Psychology and Education Science > General Psychology II; Psychology and Education Science > General Psychology II > Conference proceedings
• Language: English