Q and A: Postpartum Depression
What is postpartum depression?
While �blues� is a mild depression that is common to many women after the birth of a baby, post-partum depression is a more severe, incapacitating depression that requires active intervention and support by family members and a physician.
What are the symptoms?
Persistent sad, anxious or �empty� mood; loss of interest or pleasure in life; loss of appetite; loss of motivation to do things; restlessness, irritability or excessive crying; feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness; sleeping too much or too little; thoughts of death or suicide.
Who gets it?
It is more likely if you have had previous postpartum depression or depression not related to pregnancy, severe premenstrual syndrome, a difficult marriage, few family members or friends to talk to or depend on, stressful life events during the pregnancy or after the childbirth.
Why do women get it?
The exact cause isn�t known. The hormonal and physical changes after the birth of a baby, and the added responsibility of a new life, can be factors that lead to it in some women.
What is the treatment?
The most common treatments are antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both, depending on the severity of the depression.
SOURCES: Mayo Clinic; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institute of Mental Health
-Associated Press
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