Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression Causes
There is specific cause of postpartum depression recorded. However, various factors may cause depression among women who recently gave birth. These include hormonal imbalance, mental illness before pregnancy, history of postpartum depression in the family, miscarriage, emotional problems, physical changes to the woman's body and emotional changes after delivery.
Postpartum Depression Definition
Postpartum depression is a type of depression occurring in women soon after having a baby. It occurs in 15% of women, usually after a few months upon delivery. A person experiencing postpartum depression worries about her baby's health continuously, develops negative thoughts towards the baby and experiences fears about harming the baby. Obviously, women with postpartum depression may become incapable of taking care of their babies. When women with postpartum depression become suicidal, she may try to kill her baby and other children, thinking that she wouldn't want to abandon them once she successfully commits suicide.
Postpartum Depression Diagnosis
Diagnosis of postpartum depression is difficult because symptoms are common after childbirth. However, an evaluation of your symptoms, family history and risk factors for depression could help in determining the severity of one's condition. The Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale could also help evaluate the condition.
Postpartum Depression Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms of postpartum depression may involve any of the following symptoms ? sad mood, lack of interest in pleasurable activities, weight loss, sleep problems, loss of energy, anxiety, agitation, feelings of guilt, suicidal thoughts, feelings of rejection and decreased interest in sex. Other symptoms may occur in a more severe case of postpartum depression, called postpartum psychosis.
Postpartum Depression Treatment
Postpartum depression treatment depends largely on the type of depression and severity. Support groups, marriage counseling, psychological help and medications could help reduce depression symptoms. If symptoms don't go away after two weeks, it is best to seek advice from your healthcare provider.