Postpartum Depression: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

After the birth of a baby, a mother usually feels tearful, anxious and moody. These mood changes, usually referred to as baby blues, are normal and can be due to the complete change in the lifestyle that takes place with the arrival of a baby. Support and understanding from family and friends, can get her through this. About 50% of the new mothers may also experience depression for a short time after delivery. This condition, called the postpartum blues, includes feeling of anxiety, irritation, tearfulness and restlessness, and usually occurs in the first few weeks after pregnancy. However, it disappears after that period, and thus does not need to be treated.

Postpartum depression is a more severe depression compared to baby blues and the postpartum blues. Most of the time, it occurs in first 4 weeks after delivery. However, it may occur soon after delivery or up to a year later. Before, during and after childbirth, a woman's body goes through many changes. Pregnancy affects almost all the hormones in the body, primarily because of the effects of hormones produced by the placenta. In the period after the birth of the baby, the mother’s body experiences further dramatic changes in hormonal levels. Within a day after the birth, the progesterone and estrogen levels drop to a level lower than before conception. This roller coaster hormonal ride the body undergoes is a contributing factor towards postpartum depression.

The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to those experienced by people in depression. They are behavioral and temperament changes that include agitation and irritability, along with feelings of worthlessness or guilt. A depressed mother start feeling withdrawn, socially isolated or unconnected from those around her. She may have trouble sleeping or on the contrary may sleep to much. She is likely to cry for no reason, and fail to experience pleasure in all or most activities. A change that can be clearly observed will be a decreased appetite. She may also feel very tired or low on energy and have trouble concentrating or thinking. Mothers with a more severe degree of this illness may experience negative feelings toward the baby, or even have thoughts of death or suicide.

There are certain factors the put an individual at a greater risk of developing postpartum depression. A mother under the age of 20 is at a greater risk, as well as one who did not plan or want the pregnancy. Smoking, illegal substance or alcohol abuse will not only severely compromise the well being of the baby but will also put the mother at risk, of developing postpartum depression. A prior anxiety or mood disorder or depression that manifested during a previous pregnancy, increases the chances of a recurrence. Circumstances that cause the mother stress before, during or after the delivery are definite trigger factors of postpartum depression. They can include a number of circumstances, ranging from financial problems, death or illness of a loved one, an illness during pregnancy, a difficult or emergency delivery or a premature delivery.

A medical practitioner can diagnose postpartum depression by questioning the patient. The treatment for postpartum depression includes medication, therapy or a combination of both. Postpartum depression is treated with antidepressant medications. The drugs often prescribed are nortriptyline, paroxetine and sertraline. However, it is for a doctor to decide which medication is most appropriate for a patient, especially if she is breastfeeding. Psychotherapy has also proved very successful in dealing with this condition. These efforts can be supplemented by joining a support group, which is therapeutic and aids the recovery process.

Postpartum depression is an under recognized and under treated condition. It is essential for the family members of the mother to keep an eye out for tell tale signs of this condition. If left untreated, postpartum depression can last for months or even years. Along with the treatment, the support and understanding of family, friends, and co-workers can play a significant role in recovery.