Postpartum Depression
Think of a new mother. She has just experienced the miracle of childbirth. This should be her most joyful moment, a moment she and her family may never forget. It is the day she has brought a child into the world. At first, she basks in the delight of the occasion! However later that day or week or month, sadness overcomes her body, even though she knows motherhood should not be this distressing. She may be experiencing postpartum depression.
Depression is common among women who have just given birth. In fact, studies show that ten percent of mothers experience postpartum depression, with symptoms beginning anytime from 24 hours to several months after the child is born. When untreated, the depression can last from a few months to several years (Epperson, 1999), which is why it is so important to consult a doctor if the mother shows any symptoms of depression including:
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Experiencing several of these signs does not always mean the mother is experiencing postpartum depression. There are several other possibilities. One very common reaction she may be feeling is the "baby blues." This is a normal, less severe case of the above symptoms, and it usually ends around the 10th day after birth (Epperson, 1999). It is only if the symptoms become more severe over a longer period of time that the problem is considered to be postpartum depression.
If the mother has a critical case of these symptoms paired with hallucinations or delusions, there is the rare possibility that she may have puerperal psychosis (present in .2% of postpartum women). This is a disorder that usually sets in within the first month after birth. The visual and/or auditory delusions often involve the infant, making this an emergency situation. Examples of these delusions include a mother believing her child is the devil, or the mother hearing voices telling her to harm her baby. If severe symptoms of sleeplessness, agitation, irritable mood and avoidance of the child and/or hallucinations or delusions occur, consult a doctor or emergency medical facility immediately. The mother and the baby may be at risk (Epperson, 1999).
If a woman is experiencing several symptoms of postpartum depression, there is the possibility that she may be experiencing depression caused by a thyroid dysfunction or anemia (Epperson, 1999). It is therefore very important for the mother to consult her doctor when experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression so that an accurate diagnosis can be made.
There are several different treatments for postpartum depression. While antidepressant therapy is prescribed in certain cases, psychotherapy and support groups are more common techniques for treating postpartum depression-- to avoid any spread of the antidepressant to the infant if the mother is breastfeeding (Epperson, 1999). It is important for the mother to consult a professional to discuss the risks and advantages of antidepressants so that she may choose the treatment that is right for her.
If you feel you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, please consult a doctor and continue to educate yourself using the following links:
Work Cited
Epperson, C. N. (1999, April 15) Major Postpartum Depression: Detection and Treatment. American Family Physician. Retrieved on January 14, 2006, from http://www.aafp.org/afp/990415ap/2247.html