Post–Partum Depression
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depres–sion (PPD) is a psycho–logical disorder experi–enced days, weeks, and even months after deliv–ery. PPD is not com–pletely understood, but it is recognized that psy–chological, biochemical, and hormonal factors contribute to the disor–der. PPD is fairly com–mon, affecting at least 10 to 20 percent of new mothers.
What are the symptoms of PPD?
- Exhaustion
- Severe insomnia
- Changes in appetite
- Loss of sexual interest
- Crying spells without obvious cause
- Guilt, sadness, and anger
- Despair and/ or feelings of worthlessness
- Forgetfulness
- Indecisiveness
- Inability to concentrate
- Desperation or feelings of hopelessness
- Withdrawal
- Obsessive/compulsive behavior
Is PPD the "baby blues"?/h2>
PPD and "baby blues" are not the same. "Baby blues" is charac–terized by an extreme sense of letdown that lasts approximately two weeks. PPD is more complicated and longer lasting. PPD does not resolve itself within a few weeks or a month, and if left untreated, it may lead to a more se–vere anxiety / panic dis–order. Effective treat–ment does not include tranquilizers or anti–anxiety medication be–cause these serve only as temporary relief and do not correct the biochemi–cal abnormalities associ–ated with PPD.
PPD should not be confused with postpar–tum psychosis. Postpar–tum psychosis is charac–terized by hallucina–tions, delusions, and thoughts of suicide or of harming the infant. A woman who experiences these symptoms should find a capable adult to care for her infant and seek help immediately.
What kinds of treat–ments are available?
A professional treat–ment plan may include medical and psychiatric evaluations, psycho–therapy and group therapy. Medications such as antidepressants can also be prescribed. New antidepressants act more specifically toward PPD and pose no known threat to breastfed ba–bies. Seeking additional support from family and friends is also recom–mended. Local support programs can also assist mothers experiencing PPD.
