POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Postpartum depression encompasses a spectrum of mental disorders appearing in mothers shortly following delivery. The birth of a baby, while often a welcome event, also brings about hormonal changes in the mother, and has an undeniable impact on her personal/social life.

The 'baby blues'

Many mothers - estimates range between 50-80% in Western countries - experience a mild depression, colloquially called the 'baby blues', within a few hours or days of giving birth. This is very common and is linked in part to rapid hormonal changes following birth. It usually goes away on its own in just a few weeks. Symptoms include crying jags, feelings of sadness or vulnerability, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is distinct from the 'baby blues'. It is a more serious form of depression that affects between 10%-20% of women, and may appear anytime within the first six months following delivery. Postpartum depression is more severe and longer-lasting than the 'baby blues' if left untreated.

Symptoms of postpartum depression can include:

uncontrollable crying
persistent sadness
feelings of inadequacy or guilt
loss of appetite
insomnia (not due to baby's night wakings)
irritability
moodiness
anxiety or panic attacks
difficulty concentrating
lack of interest in the baby
Postpartum psychosis
Very rarely, (in about 1 or 2 out of a 1000 women) postpartum psychosis may occur. It usually appears suddenly with the first 2-3 weeks following birth.

Postpartum psychosis is marked by symptoms such as:

hallucinations
delusions (often about the baby, and often of a religious nature)
severe insomnia
mania or inability to stop activity
extreme anxiety and agitation
confusion
suicidal or homicidal thoughts

Postpartum psychosis is a severe, but treatable, emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Causes of postpartum depression
The causes of postpartum depression are still unknown. Any type of stress or negative life event in the mother's life, such as marital or financial problems, may signal a risk factor for postpartum depression. Other risk factors include:

depression or anxiety during pregnancy
prior history of depression or postpartum depression
family history of depression or postpartum depression
lack of support from spouse or partner, parents, in-laws, or friends
unplanned pregnancy
complications during pregnancy or birth
history of severe PMS

Postpartum disorders can interfere the joy of new motherhood, and may even impair a mother's ability to bond with her baby. The good news is that even the most severe forms of postpartum depression and psychosis respond well to medical treatment, the earlier the better. Depending on the individual, a mother experiencing a postpartum disorder may benefit from counseling, participation in support groups, exercise, changes to her diet, medication, or any combination of these.

In 1998, New York State passed a law requiring hospitals to inform postpartum women about the possibility of a postpartum disorder. If you feel that you, or a recently postpartum woman close you may be suffering from a postpartum disorder, contact your doctor or hospital's obstetric department and ask for a referral to a practitioner with experience in treating postpartum depression. (You should also get a medical evaluation to rule out any possible physical causes.) They may also be able to tell you about support groups specifically for women experiencing a postpartum disorder.

The following organizations can also help:

Postpartum Resource Center of New York, Inc.
http://www.postpartumny.org/
The Postpartum Resource Center has a network of support groups around the state, and can do referrals to professionals. They also provide emotional support for women over the phone with volunteers who are mothers who have experienced postpartum depression themselves. Their phone number is (631) 422-2255.

Postpartum Support International (PSI)
http://www.postpartum.net
Postpartum Support International's website offers access to PSI's international Social Support Network, essays on postpartum disorders, postpartum chat rooms, helpful books and more. Call PSI at (805) 967-7636 to find out about resources, organizations, and groups in your area.

Depression After Delivery, Inc.
http://www.depressionafterdelivery.com/
Depression After Delivery focuses on education, information and referral for women and families coping with mental health issues associated with childbearing, both during pregnancy and postpartum. They have an Information Request Line at 1-800-944-4PPD (1-800-944-4773). Leave your name and address and they will mail out an information packet.

You can also write to:
Depression After Delivery, Inc.
91 East Somerset Street
Raritan, NJ 08869

See other Information Center Fact Sheets.

The Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, with 33 local affiliate MHAs serving 54 counties. MHANYS is working to ensure available and accessible mental health services for all New Yorkers.