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
- Sleep deprivation
- Struggle with one’s sense of identity
- 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
