Postpartum Depression Information
(From the National Women's Health Information Center)

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depressions can range from transient "blues" following childbirth to severe, incapacitating, psychotic depressions. Studies suggest that women who experience depression after childbirth very often have had prior depressive episodes. However, for most women, postpartum depressions are transient, with no adverse consequences.

What are the symptoms?

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex
• Restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
• Sleeping too much or too little, early-morning awakening
• Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

What is the treatment for postpartum depression?

The most commonly used treatments for depression are antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Which of these is the right treatment for an individual case depends on the nature and severity of the depression and, to some extent, on individual preference.

In mild or moderate depression, one or both of these treatments may be useful, while in severe or incapacitating depression, medication is generally recommended as a first step in the treatment. In combined treatment, medication can relieve physical symptoms quickly, while psychotherapy allows the opportunity to learn more effective ways of handling problems.

Related sites on postpartum depression:

National Institute of Mental Health

Depression After Delivery, Inc.

For more on depression, click here.

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