POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

What Is Postpartum Depression? Postpartum depression is an often under-diagnosed psychiatric condition experienced by many women. It is commonly known as the baby blues. It can appear within 24 hours to 2 weeks after delivery. The depression may require treatment if it lasts more than 3 days, or if leads to a lack of interest in the newborn, suicidal thoughts, or even hallucinations or psychosis.

What Causes Postpartum Depression? Approximately 15% of women will experience some form of mood disorder postpartum that goes beyond the baby blues; it can manifest itself as a major depression, or as an anxiety disorder in the form of a panic attack. Any woman with a history of depression will have an increased risk of postpartum depression. Also, if a woman has experienced postpartum depression with a previous birth, she is at an increased risk for any subsequent birth. True psychosis - including hallucinations, being out of touch with reality, or hearing voices - occurs in about 1 in 1,000 births and probably reflects a preexisting mental condition that becomes exacerbated by the stressful situation of pregnancy and birth. All new mothers experience real changes in their lives. Additionally, many women will be sleep-deprived and exhausted. Not every woman may be fully prepared for this stressful time, especially if crucial help and support particularly during the postpartum period are unavailable. Being physically worn out can heighten a depression, and hormonal changes may also be at least partly responsible for the sudden shifts in mood.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression? As a new mother, you should be aware of the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, such as sadness, uncontrollable crying, loss of interest, difficulty concentrating, irritability, anxiety, sense of guilt /hopelessness /worthlessness, social withdrawal, recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, difficulty sleeping or fatigue. You should contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms since your health and your baby's health is at risk.

How Is Postpartum Depression Treated? Treatment may be used to reestablish the hormonal balance that supports emotional stability. In women with moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), taking progesterone soon after delivery has decreased the otherwise higher risk of postpartum depression. Antidepressant medication has been shown to be useful in some cases. Women with a previous history of depression or psychosis should discuss their risk of postpartum depression with their health care provider before the baby is born, since the right treatment can prevent any problem from becoming severe. Psychotherapy may be helpful. Some studies also have pointed out that social and economical factors in a new mother's life situation may make her more vulnerable to a prolonged depression after the birth of her child. Whenever new motherhood leads to isolation and a sense of loss of control, health care providers should refer the mother to appropriate public health services that provide support.