Postpartum Depression

Depression that occurs after childbirth.

Those who develop postpartum depression are at greater risk of developing major depression later on in life.

Symptoms might include insomnia, loss of appetite, intense irritability, and difficulty bonding with the baby.

Untreated, the condition may last months or longer. Treatment can include counseling, antidepressants, or hormone therapy.

Cluster Number:
Wiki Number: PW171
Diagnosis: Postpartum Depression
US Patients: 15% of new mothers; 1-26% of new fathers; postpartum psychosis-.1-.2 of 1% leading to 8 per 100,000 new baby murders In the US
World Patients: 17.7% world-wide; In US, African-American women have 25%; Asian-11.5%; other mothers in-between %s.
Sex Ratio: 80% of new mothers have milder “baby blues” which resolve in two weeks.
Age Onset: 1 week to 1 month after childbirth lasting more than two weeks; may also occur after miscarriage
Brain Area: Less activity in left frontal lobe; more in right frontal lobe, decreased connectivity for emotional-regulation; more amygdala arousal
Symptoms: extreme sadness and fatigue; can also affect the child, difficulty bonding, suicidal thoughts, worry about harming self or baby
Progression: 1/3 of women experience violence from men which increases postpartum depression
Causes: horomonal changes, sleep deprivation; synthetic oxycontin to induce birth; smoking, poverty, lack of emotional support
Medications: antidepressants, unless breast-feeding; SSRIs
Therapies: CBT and Interpersonal Therapy; light aerobic exercise may help in mild or moderate cases.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL WIKIPEDIA ARTICLE

Youtube Video: Parenting through Postpartum Depression

Amazon or Library Book:

This Isn’t What I Expected – Overcoming Postpartum Depression

Click the book to link or order from Amazon.