PostPartum Blues and Depression

Postpartum Blues

Postpartum blues are normal reactions that many mothers experience following childbirth. The onset of postpartum blues usually occurs three to five days after delivery, and should subside as hormone levels begin to stabilize. Symptoms usually last for two weeks. If a person continues to experience moods swings or feelings of depression for more than two weeks after childbirth, the problem may be more serious.

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

This 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.

Symptoms of PPD

Symptoms of PPD are the same as those for clinical depression and may include specific fears such as excessive preoccupation with the child’s health or intrusive thoughts of harming the baby. Given the stressful circumstances of caring for a new baby, it is understandable that new mothers may be more tired, irritable and anxious. But when a new mother is experiencing drastic changes in motivation, appetite or mood she should seek the help of a mental health professional. For a clinical diagnosis of postpartum depression to be made, symptoms of PPD generally must be present for more than two weeks following childbirth to distinguish them from postpartum blues.

Factors that contribute to PPD

The causes of PPD are not quite clear but research suggests that the following factors may contribute to the onset of PPD:

• Hormonal changes: A woman experiences the greatest hormonal fluctuation levels after giving birth. Intense hormone fluctuations, such as decreased serotonin levels, occur after delivery and may play a role in the development of PPD.
• Situational risks: Childbirth itself is a major life change and transition, and big changes can cause a great deal of stress and result in depression. If a major event coincides with childbirth, a mother may be more susceptible than average to PPD.
• Life Stresses: Ongoing stressful circumstances can compound the pressures of having a new baby and may trigger PPD. For example, excessive stress at the office added to the responsibilities of being a mother can cause emotional strain that could lead to PPD. 
• The nature of the mother’s relationship with the baby’s father and any unresolved feelings about the pregnancy might also affect a mother’s risk of getting PPD.

Available Treatment

• Taking antidepressant medication may help alleviate the symptoms of PPD and should be combined with ongoing counseling with a therapist trained in issues surrounding childbirth. 
• New mothers should be encouraged to talk about their feelings or fears with others.
• Socializing through support groups and with friends can play a critical role in recovery.

• Exercise and good nutrition may improve a new mother’s mood and also aid in recovery.
• Caffeine should be avoided because it can trigger anxiety and mood changes.

Can PPD lead to other problems?

When a new mother has severe depression, the vital mother-child relationship may become strained. She may be less able to respond to her child’s needs. The more depressed a new mother is, the greater the delay in the infant’s development.

A new mother’s attention to her newborn is particularly important immediately following birth because the first year of life is a critical time in cognitive development.

Is PPD preventable

In most cases PPD is preventable; early identification can lead to early treatment. 

A major part of prevention is being informed about the risk factors and the medical community can play a key role in identifying and treating PPD. Women should be screened by their physician to determine their risk for acquiring PPD.

Because social support is also a vital factor in prevention, early identification of mothers who are at risk can enable a woman to seek support from physicians, partners, friends, and coworkers.

References:

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/postpartum-disorders

http://psychcentral.com/lib/postpartum-depression-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/00018497