Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression occurs during pregnancy or within a year after delivery. The exact number of women with depression during this time is unknown. But researchers believe that depression is one of the most common complications during and after pregnancy.

Many women experience major mood shifts after their pregnancy, ranging from brief, mild baby blues to longer-lasting, deeper clinical depression, which is known as postpartum depression. Feelings of sadness and depression are more common after pregnancy than many people may realize.

Symptoms

Physical symptoms of Postpartum depression include: frequent headaches, chest pain, rapid heart beat, numbness, shakiness or dizziness, and mild shortness of breath. Postpartum anxiety disorder is a separate disorder from postpartum depression, but the two often occur together.

A woman who has postpartum psychosis may feel cut off from her baby. She may see and hear things that aren't there.

Causes

Postpartum depression is caused by changes in hormones and can run in families. Women with severe premenstrual syndrome are more likely to suffer from postpartum depression.

Experts agree there are no single for postpartum depression but rather a combination of hormonal, biochemical, environmental, psychological, and genetic factors. Genetics may play the largest role in postpartum depression.

Treatment

Postpartum depression can be treated in several ways. Support groups may help. Some women go to therapy or counseling with a mental health professional. This professional may talk with the woman about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medications.

By Peter Hutch

Article not intended to diagnosis, treat or cure depression. Always consult your doctor for treatment of depression.