Postpartum Depression
Definition
Postpartum depression is a type of depression that affects some women shortly after childbirth. It is not uncommon for women to experience temporary mood disorders after giving birth. If it goes on for more than a week, it is called postpartum depression.
Causes
The cause of postpartum depression is unclear. The cause may be related to sudden hormonal changes during and after delivery. Untreated thyroid conditions may also be associated with postpartum depression.
Risk Factors
Factors that can increase your chance of developing postpartum depression include:
- Previous episode of depression or postpartum depression
- Family member with depression
- History of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Lack of support system and/or strained relationship with partner
- History of anxiety disorder
Central Nervous System
Symptoms
Symptoms usually occur within 6 months after childbirth, though they may begin during the pregnancy and may last from a few weeks to a few months. Symptoms may range from mild depression to severe psychosis. Postpartum depression is different than baby blues, which is a mild form of depression that occurs within a few days after childbirth and lasts up to a week.
Symptoms may include:
- Loss of interest or pleasure in life
- Not wanting to engage in social situations
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid mood swings
- Episodes of crying or tearfulness
- Poor concentration, memory loss, difficulty making decisions
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Feelings of irritability, anxiety, or panic
- Restlessness
- Fear of hurting or killing oneself or one's child
- Feelings of hopelessness or guilt
- Obsessive thoughts, especially unreasonable, repetitive fears about your child’s health and welfare
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
More serious symptoms associated with postpartum depression that may require immediate medical attention include:
- Lack of interest in your infant
- Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Loss of contact with reality
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam may be done. Your doctor may ask you to have blood tests to see if an undiagnosed physical problem, like a thyroid condition, could be contributing to your symptoms. You may be referred to a mental health professional.
Treatment
Treatment for postpartum depression may include counseling, medication, or both.
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Womenshealth.gov
Canadian Psychological Association
Women's Health Matters
Exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Committee Opinion, No. 267. January 2002 (Reaffirmed 2009).
Leopold KA, Zoschnick LB. Postpartum Depression. Women's Primary Health Grand Rounds at the University of Michigan (series). August 1997.
Postpartum depression. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq091.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130312T1333495763. Accessed March 12, 2013.
Postpartum depression. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated October 18, 2012. Accessed March 12, 2013.
Last reviewed March 2013 by Andrea Chisholm, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
