Postnatal depression is common and affects 10-15% of postpartum women. While there are many studies on the depressive episode in the postnatal period, its association with the bipolar spectrum disorder often goes unrecognized and undiagnosed. Objective: To study the rate of bipolar spectrum disorder in mothers presented with postpartum depression and its associated factors. Method: This is a cross sectional study on the women who visited the postnatal clinic in UMMC from 1st March 2009 till 31st March 2009. Subjects who consented were asked to complete a short questionnaire looking at the socio-demographic details and asked to answer the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Mood Disorder questionnaire (MDQ) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) which assessed the perceived social support and mood disorder. Result: A total of 93 women were recruited into the study. Independent t-test and stepwise regression analysis identified that unemployment and babies with health problems were the only associated factors for postnatal depression. 28.6% of mothers with possible postnatal depression (EPDS ≥ 12) might have bipolar spectrum disorder (MDQ ≥ 7). Conclusion: Postnatal depression as part of bipolar spectrum disorder needs additional attention. Postnatal check with screening tools may help to identify mood disturbances in postpartum women.

Key words: Postpartum depression, bipolar spectrum, screening instrument.