LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Postpartum Depression: Symptoms
built 646 days ago
Postpartum Depression is a term referring to the episode of depression associated with childbirth. It is not recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) as being distinct from major depression. Some of the symptoms associated with childbirth create a difficulty in distinguishing the symptom from Postpartum Depression and the normal
Source:
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major form of depression and is less common than postpartum blues. PPD includes all the symptoms of depression but occurs only following childbirth. It can begin any time after delivery and can last up to a year. PPD is estimated to occur in approximately 10 to 20 percent of new mothers.
Source:
Postpartum depression is defined by the DSM-IV as the onset of depressive symptoms within 4 weeks of childbirth. Symptoms are very similar to major depression, and can ... include fluctuations in mood, preoccupation with infant well-being, as well as at times just the opposite, complete disinterest in the infant which, if prolonged, may result in failure to thrive syndrome. Although the DSM-IV suggests rigid guidelines in terms of time periods where this diagnosis should or should not be made, it is imperative to note that in medicine, as well as psychiatry and psychology, there is leeway. Subsequently, at 4 weeks and 2 days, if the mother comes down with depressive symptoms, this diagnosis still should be made.
Source:
Primary care physicians often screen for postpartum depression by asking questions about the mother's quality of life. If you are a new mother, your doctor may ask about your emotions, your sleep and your appetite. If your primary care doctor or obstetrician/gynecologist believes you have symptoms of postpartum depression, and these symptoms have lasted for several weeks without improving, he or she may offer you an antidepressant or refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist will ask questions about what you're feeling and thinking, and how you are managing your day-to-day life. If your doctor is concerned that some of your symptoms may be caused by a medical illness, he or she may order blood tests to check for such conditions as anemia or an underactive thyroid.
Source:
Postpartum depression is a medical condition that requires treatment, not a sign of weakness. It isn't always obvious to an observer, and there are no laboratory tests for depression. This is why it's important that you tell your health professional about your symptoms.
Source:
Anti-depressants can be extremely helpful in treating postpartum depression. There are many anti-depressants than can be used even if the mother is breastfeeding. Examples include Zoloft, Anafranil, and Norpramin. Paxil is questionable. Anti-depressant usage doesn’t need to be the first line of treatment; ... this would clearly dependent on the severity of the depression and how debilitating the symptoms are. If the symptoms were severe enough that child care is impacted, clearly this would be a first line treatment option.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Symptoms