When to Suspect Postpartum Depression
By Tina Schnapper, MD
While having a baby is a joyous occasion for most women, it's common for new moms to feel sad, afraid, angry or anxious. Up to 80 percent of new mothers have these feelings in a mild form called postpartum blues. Symptoms appear a few days after delivery and include anger at the new baby, a partner, or older children; weepiness; and difficulty eating, sleeping or making decisions. Typically, the symptoms last a week or two and don't require treatment.
Another 10 percent of new mothers experience a more troubling condition called postpartum depression (PPD). PPD lasts longer, is more intense, and often requires treatment. PPD can occur after any birth, not just the first.
In contrast to postpartum blues, PPD involves more intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair that disrupt the mother's ability to function. Hormonal changes undoubtedly play a key role in PPD. Other contributors may include stress, feeling alone, changes in sleep patterns, and lack of support. If not recognized or treated, PPD may become worse or may last longer than it needs to.
Treatment includes low-dose antidepressants—safe for nursing moms—and counseling. In rare cases—between 1 and 3 in every 1,000 births—the mother develops a more severe mental illness or psychosis. Women with a personal or family history of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are at greater risk for such disorders.
Talk with your physician if you experience the following:
While having a baby is a joyous occasion for most women, it's common for new moms to feel sad, afraid, angry or anxious. Up to 80 percent of new mothers have these feelings in a mild form called postpartum blues. Symptoms appear a few days after delivery and include anger at the new baby, a partner, or older children; weepiness; and difficulty eating, sleeping or making decisions. Typically, the symptoms last a week or two and don't require treatment.
Another 10 percent of new mothers experience a more troubling condition called postpartum depression (PPD). PPD lasts longer, is more intense, and often requires treatment. PPD can occur after any birth, not just the first.
In contrast to postpartum blues, PPD involves more intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair that disrupt the mother's ability to function. Hormonal changes undoubtedly play a key role in PPD. Other contributors may include stress, feeling alone, changes in sleep patterns, and lack of support. If not recognized or treated, PPD may become worse or may last longer than it needs to.
Treatment includes low-dose antidepressants—safe for nursing moms—and counseling. In rare cases—between 1 and 3 in every 1,000 births—the mother develops a more severe mental illness or psychosis. Women with a personal or family history of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are at greater risk for such disorders.
Talk with your physician if you experience the following:
- Baby blues that last more than two weeks, or strong feelings of depression or anger that surface one or two months after childbirth
- Feelings of sadness, doubt, guilt, helplessness or hopelessness that disrupt normal functioning
- Inability to sleep even when tired, or sleeping most of the time
- Marked changes in appetite
- Disinterest in things that used to bring pleasure
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Fear of harming the baby
- Thoughts of self-harm, including suicide
- Extreme concern for/lack of interest in the baby
