Learning About Postpartum Depression

Watch the video: Postpartum Depression - More Than the Baby Blues as seen on Healthology

 What is Postpartum Depression?
 What Causes Postpartum Depression?
How is Postpartum Depression Treated?

What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a general term used to describe a wide range of emotional disorders a woman can experience after the birth of her child. Three types of disorders are generally recognized: The Baby Blues, Postpartum Depression, and Postpartum Psychosis.

Prenatal Depression
Recent research has shown that up to 10% of pregnant women will experience depression/anxiety. Symptoms may include crying, sleep problems, appetitie changes, loss in enjoyment of activities, obsessive thoughts and worries. Women with these symptoms are at risk for postpartum depression. It is important to speak with your healthcare provider to get treatment during pregnancy and put together a postpartum plan.

To help you in your planning use* the Postpartum Pact from "What Am I
Thinking: Having a Baby After Postpartum Depression" used with permission from Karen
Kleiman, MSW.

* Please also note that this tool is for an individual client/patient's use  only. If copies are to be made and distributed for educational or professional  purposes, the license agreement on our website limits the use of website materials to personal use only. For more information on the professional use of this and other materials, visit www.postpartumstress.com.

The Baby Blues
Approximately 60-80% of women experience the baby blues. This term refers to a period of temporary moodiness which usually begins 1-3 days after delivery. Symptoms may include sadness, irritability, frustration, and fatigue. These symptoms come and go but usually disappear within a couple of days (or a maximum of two weeks). Although the new mom feels quite miserable, the baby blues are not considered to be true postpartum depression.

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Postpartum Depression
It is estimated that 10-20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression; however, we suspect that this number is greater since many cases go unreported. Symptoms of postpartum depression are similar but more persistent (lasting throughout the day and longer than two weeks) than those of the baby blues. They usually develop a few weeks after delivery but can occur at any time during the first year after childbirth. Symptoms may include frequent crying, sleep disturbances, feelings of anger/irritability, suicidal thoughts, and sometimes anxiety or panic attacks. The new mom may feel overwhelmed, inadequate, and unable to cope. Although exhausted, she is usually unable to sleep. She may worry obsessively about the baby's health, while feeling guilty about not bonding emotionally to her child. Many women are ashamed of their feelings and often do not seek help. Early recognition and proper treatment are important.

Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a severe but extremely rare (1 or 2 women in 1,000) disorder that can develop in the postpartum period. This illness is characterized by a loss of contact with reality for extended periods of time. Symptoms usually occur during the first few weeks after delivery and include hallucinations, delusions, rapid mood swings, and suicidal/infanticidal thoughts or actions. Postpartum psychosis is a very serious emergency and requires immediate help. If you or someone you know may be experiencing postpartum psychosis, call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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What Causes Postpartum Depression?
Researchers are still unsure of what exactly causes postpartum depression. It is most likely caused by a number of factors that vary from individual to individual. Some factors believed to contribute to postpartum depression are:

	the dramatic change in hormone levels occurring during pregnancy and postpartum (some women are more sensitive to this change than others)
	sleep deprivation
	psychological stresses of new motherhood
	previous postpartum or clinical depression
	a family history of depression

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How is Postpartum Depression Treated?
Postpartum depression is treatable. If you believe you are suffering from postpartum depression, first contact your physician for a complete medical evaluation including a thyroid screening. Many medical conditions (such as a thyroid imbalance) can mimic postpartum depression and should be ruled out before beginning treatment.

The ideal treatment plan includes:
  a complete medical examination
  psychiatric evaluation
  psychotherapy
  participation in a support group

Don't forget to also take time for yourself each day. Eat well, exercise, and get as much rest as possible. Take small steps at first - one day at a time. Most of all, please remember that you will get well!

Learn more about the symptoms of postpartum depression.

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