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Overview of Postpartum Depression Symptoms, Causes and Treatment?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Many women experience postpartum depression within a few months of delivering a baby. While often confused with the baby blues, postpartum depression is a serious illness that can last for many months and can interfere with the bonding experience between mother and child. This article explores the symptoms associated with postpartum depression, in addition to discussing potential causes and treatment options.
SymptomsThe symptoms of postpartum depression are often intense and interfere with everyday activities. These symptoms include difficulty sleeping, irritability, lack of energy, mood swings, loss of appetite, separating oneself from family and friends and difficulties interacting positively with their baby. If treatment is not sought, postpartum depression can last longer than a year and may develop into postpartum psychosis, an extremely severe mental illness.
CausesPostpartum depression cannot be attributed to a single cause. Rather, it is likely that a combination of emotional, physical and lifestyle changes contribute to its development. Since a woman experiences a significant reduction in the hormones estrogen and progesterone shortly after childbirth, it is believed that these hormonal changes strongly contribute to the development of postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression can also be caused by lifestyle changes, including receiving inadequate support from family and friends, financial difficulties and the effects of chronic sleep deprivation. Emotional factors such as feeling self-conscious about weight or body shape and having doubts about parenting abilities or caring for a baby can also contribute to postpartum depression.
TreatmentSeeking counseling or therapy and taking prescription medications are the primary treatment methods for postpartum depression. Through taking with a therapist, women with postpartum depression will be able to develop coping skills to help them effectively manage their feelings and find healthy ways to solve problems. While individual counseling is a potential treatment, interpersonal counseling will help women receive the emotional support that is needed after childbirth.
Antidepressants can provide relief from the symptoms of postpartum depression by affecting the balance of neurotransmitters within the brain. Hormone therapy can replace the loss of estrogen that occurs in women after giving birth, which can also help to treat postpartum depression. In most cases, a combination of therapy and medications are the most effective treatment options.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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Which are the typical postpartum depression symptoms?
Postpartum depression is sometimes called the baby blues. Typical postpartum depression symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, irritability and mood swings.
What are the signs for post partum depression?
According to the Mayo Clinic website signs of postpartum depression include, anxiety, sadness, mood swings, crying, trouble sleeping, decreased concentration and irritability. While the internet has a wealth of information I would recommend you talk to your doctor, but in the mean time browse these sites for more information, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/DS00546/DSECTION=symptoms and http://www.webmd.com/depression/postpartum-depression/postpartum-depression-symptoms.
What is the best depression treatment center?
I think the best place to get treatment for your depression symptoms is with your local doctor. They can generally control your symptoms with SSRI medications
What are some symptoms of postpartum depression?
Symptoms can occur two months after a mother has given birth. Symptoms to watch for are anger, anxiety, crying, irritability, appetite changes, headaches, and difficulty sleeping.
When should one go to a depression treatment center?
You may want to seek treatment for depression, if your symptoms have persisted for more than two or three weeks. Treatment for depression has helped many people.
What are the emotional symptoms of postpartum depression?
Low mood, hopelessness, helplessness, exhaustion, shame, anxiety, fear for the baby and of the baby, fear of being alone or going out.
What does postpartum depression feel like?
persistent low mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities, along with four other symptoms occurring together for a period of at least two weeks, indicate clinical depression
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Subsyndromal depression is a condition in which an individuals symptoms?
Subsyndromal depression is a condition in which an individuals shows signs of depression but not severe enough to require a diagnosis and treatment.
Where can I go for help dealing with postpartum depression symptoms in the DC area?
When looking for help with depression I personally went to see my physician. He was able to help me immediately with this problem. If you don't have a regular doctor, please go to a clinic and they will have help for you there.
How do doctors code depression?
Depends upon symptoms, subtype of diagnosis, longevity and response to treatment.
Treating Postpartum Insomnia?
After childbirth, a woman's body goes through many physical and hormonal changes. These changes come with many unpleasant side effects, including postpartum insomnia. Symptoms of postpartum insomnia include an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, night sweats, racing thoughts, rapid heartbeat and strange dreams or nightmares. Postpartum insomnia can last for several months after childbirth, and affects as many as fifteen percent of all new mothers.Causes and Effects of Postpartum InsomniaMany factors can contribute to the onset of postpartum insomnia. The most likely cause is the hormonal changes women experience after childbirth. During pregnancy, estrogen and other hormone levels increase tremendously, then bottom out after delivery. These hormonal fluctuations often cause symptoms that can interfere with sleep, including anxiety, depression and hot flashes.Postpartum insomnia can have many effects on a woman's physical, emotional and psychological well being. In addition to the normal stress associated with motherhood, women with postpartum insomnia experience even more anxiety, exhaustion and irritability. These symptoms can affect every aspect of life, and can interfere with the ability to care for a newborn.Treatment for Postpartum InsomniaMany women assume that insomnia after childbirth is a normal part of motherhood, and are therefore reluctant to seek treatment; however, postpartum insomnia is a real medical condition, and should be treated as such. And although postpartum insomnia usually goes away in time, seeking treatment as soon as symptoms present themselves is recommended. If left untreated, postpartum insomnia can lead to more serious conditions, including depression, panic and anxiety disorder, and health complications such as high blood pressure.Many women opt for herbal and home remedies, while others seek medical advice from a doctor or other trained professional. Herbal remedies include chamomile tea, lavender oil and valerian root. Medical treatment for postpartum insomnia can involve the use of several treatment methods, including prescription sleep aids and hormone therapy.Tips for Dealing with Postpartum InsomniaIn addition to herbal and medical treatments, there are several methods that can help in dealing with postpartum insomnia. These include warm baths at bedtime, avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine, avoiding alcohol, a balanced diet and regular exercise.
