Postpartum Depression Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression (PPD), also called postnatal depression, is a type of clinical depression which can affect both sexes after childbirth.

It comes in two forms:

• early onset, commonly referred to as the “baby blues,”

Commonly referred as the “baby blues”, early onset is mild and affects up to 80% of women after they deliver.

• Late onset.

This more severe form is usually recognized several weeks after delivery. Overall, it affects about 10%-16% of women.

Causes Of Postpartum Depression:

The cause of postpartum depression is not yet well understood.

However, a series of factors may play a role including:

• Hormonal changes
• Genetics
• Emotional issues

1. Sleep deprivation
2. Struggle with one’s sense of identity
3. Anxiety

Probability of developing postpartum depression increases if the individual:

• Has a history of depression, either during pregnancy or at other times
• Has bipolar disorder
• Has had postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy
• Has family members who’ve had depression or other mood stability problems
• Had experienced stressful events during the past year, such as pregnancy complications, illness or job loss
• The baby has health problems or other special needs
• has have difficulty breast-feeding
• Has have a weak support system
• Has financial problems
• The pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted
• Smokes

• Has Elevated prolactin levels
• Has Oxytocin depletion

Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression:

Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Low self-esteem
• Guilt
• A feeling of being overwhelmed
• Sleep and eating disturbances
• Inability to be comforted
• Exhaustion
• Emptiness
• Inability to experience pleasure from activities usually found enjoyable
• Social withdrawal
• Low or no energy
• Becoming easily frustrated
• Feeling inadequate in taking care of the baby
• Decreased sex drive
• Occasional or frequent anxiety

Diagnosis Of Postpartum Depression:

In order to diagnose postpartum depression, the doctor may:

• Ask the individual to complete a depression-screening questionnaire
• Order blood tests to determine whether an underactive thyroid is contributing to the signs and symptoms
• Order other tests, if warranted, to rule out other causes for the symptoms

Treatment Of Postpartum Depression:

Postpartum depression can be treated via:

• Psychotherapy
• Anti depressants

By : Natural Health News