Postpartum depression

It is a depression faced by majority of the mothers after the baby is born. It can be mild depression experienced by a significant number (30-75%) of new mothers when it is called baby blues. However this is just one end of a spectrum. About 0.1% of sufferers can experience psychosis which needs urgent medical intervention.

Symptoms:

• Sadness
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Sleep is disturbed and often difficult to fall asleep
• Feeling tired
• Too much of worry for the baby or totally unconcerned
• Avoiding the family and loss of interest in sex
• Difficulty making decision
• Difficulty remembering
• In severe cases the mother may have suicidal tendency or fear of hurting the baby

Causes:

These are not known exactly but there are certain risk factors which have been identified such as:

• Marital problems
• Low social support
• Unplanned pregnancy
• Past history of psychiatric illness in the patient or first degree relatives.
• Lack of sleep
• Poor diet
• A new baby brings a lot of responsibility, it can be stressful.
• There is lot of hormonal changes after giving birth.

Management:

• Usually conservative for mild cases. Involves ensuring a good sleep and diet for the mother with help in care of the baby in an affectionate environment. Councelling may be needed in some cases.
• Severe cases require medical intervention and use of drugs. If the mother's or child's life is in danger, even admission may be needed.
• Symptoms disappear within a month but depression can remain for a long time and also can become worse with time if not treated.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha; Last updated: 08.09.04 by Shelly Gill