Postpartum+Depression

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Definition:
Postpartum depression is moderate to severe depression in a woman after she has given birth. It may occur soon after delivery or up to a year later. Most of the time, it occurs within the first 3 months after delivery. It can last approximately a week and up to ten days, but in some cases, it can last up to a year. HGD Chapter 14 p.375

A disorder that causes severe mood disturbances that occur in 10% to 25% of new mothers. Most of the time it lasts about a week to ten days, but in some cases, it can last up to a year.
Pg. 375 Part VI middle adulthood.

Examples:




Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors:
Women commonly have mood changes during pregnancy, especially after delivery. These mood changes may be caused by changes in hormone levels. Many non-hormonal factors may also affect mood during this period:


 * Changes in your body from pregnancy and delivery
 * Changes in work and social relationships
 * Having less time and freedom for yourself
 * Lack of sleep
 * Worries about your ability as a mother

Feelings of anxiety, irritation, tearfulness, and restlessness are common in the week or two after pregnancy. These feelings are often called the postpartum or "baby blues." These symptoms almost always go away soon, without the need for treatment.

Postpartum depression may occur when the baby blues do not fade away or when signs of depression start 1 or more months after childbirth.

You may have a higher chance of postpartum depression if you:


 * Are under age 20
 * Currently abuse alcohol, take illegal substances, or smoke (these also cause serious medical health risks for the baby)
 * Did not plan the pregnancy, or had mixed feelings about the pregnancy
 * Had depression, [|bipolar disorder] for example, manic depression, or an anxiety disorder before your pregnancy, or with a previous pregnancy
 * Had a stressful event during the pregnancy or delivery, including personal illness, death or illness of a loved one, a difficult or emergency delivery, premature delivery, or illness or birth defect in the baby
 * Have a close family member who has had depression or anxiety
 * Have a poor relationship with your significant other or are single
 * Have financial problems (low income, inadequate housing)
 * Have little support from family, friends, or your significant other

Symptoms
The symptoms of postpartum depression are the same as the symptoms of depression that occurs at other times in life. Along with a sad or depressed mood, you may have some of the following symptoms: A mother with postpartum depression may also:
 * Agitation or irritability
 * Changes in appetite
 * Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
 * Feeling withdrawn or unconnected
 * Lack of pleasure or interest in most or all activities
 * Loss of concentration
 * Loss of energy
 * Problems doing tasks at home or work
 * Negative feelings toward the baby
 * Significant anxiety
 * Thoughts of death or suicide
 * Trouble sleeping
 * Be unable to care for herself or her baby
 * Be afraid to be alone with her baby
 * Have negative feelings toward the baby or even think about harming the baby (Although these feelings are scary, they are almost never acted on. Still you should tell your doctor about them right away.)
 * Worry intensely about the baby, or have little interest in the baby

Source: []

Analogies:
anxiety bipolar. {these are not analogies. one is a symptom and the other is a different illness.}

Mnemonics:
A mnemonic many professionals use when dealing with depression is SIGECAPS S-sleep disturbance I-interest reduced G-guilt and self blame E-energy loss and fatigue C-concentration problems A-appetite change P-psychomotor changes S-suicidal thoughts

In the News:
News Article: [|Postpartum Depression]

Here is a video on PPD about how it affects people from every age and race.They describe how they acted and what they did to figure out what it was that was wrong, this is very interesting. media type="youtube" key="yH3WMQO-ooU" width="420" height="315" This video needs a description

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This video needs a description media type="youtube" key="MJ6ALUrwSRM?rel=0" height="315" width="420" include component="comments" page="Postpartum Depression" limit="10"