Post Partum Depression
Depression that affects a woman after giving birth is called post partum depression. Mild moodiness and "blues" are very common after having a baby, but
when symptoms are more than mild or last more than a few days, help should be sought. Post part depression can be extremely serious for
both mother and baby.
Approximately 29% of women after childbirth experience
some mild decline in mood and/or increased anxiety,
thought mainly to be due to psychosocial changes
associated with motherhood. Most do not require
treatment. However, postpartum depression affects 14%
of women. The features generally fit the DSM-IV criteria
for major depression and the diagnosis is given when
the onset is within 4 weeks postpartum, as defined in
the ‘postpartum onset specifier’. Anxiety is often a
prominent feature with high levels of anxiety, particularly
obsessional ruminations about the health of the
infant.
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