Understanding Postpartum Depression and Psychosis
There is no doubt about the fact that postpartum depression has the potential to be quite serious. Once labeled as the ‘baby blues’, health care professionals now understand that this side effect of pregnancy and childbirth can range from quite mild to extremely severe. Unfortunate severe cases of postpartum depression, widely publicized in the media have also served to bring much of the public’s attention to this problem.
Given the wide range of symptoms and severity that can be presented by postpartum depression; however, many still wonder how to differentiate mild postpartum depression from its more severe form, postpartum psychosis. After all, in many of the most widely publicized cases in which postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis have entered as a factor, friends and family have stepped forward to say they had no idea there was a serious problem at hand.
Therefore, it becomes critical that women themselves take the time to understand more about the nature of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis and how to recognize the symptoms of each.
The number of women that experience postpartum depression is surprisingly large. It is widely believed that this condition is caused by a sudden rush of hormones that are released during pregnancy and shortly after childbirth. Symptoms of postpartum depression can include anxiety, anger, a feeling of guilt or failure, bouts of crying for no apparent reason, sadness, irritability, impatience, forgetfulness, fatigue, lethargy, problems sleeping and mood swings. Postpartum depression will usually appear within the first few days after giving birth, if it’s going to be a problem, and will generally subside within a month or so. In the meanwhile, assistance with older children and help around the house can go a long way toward helping to alleviate the problem. If the problem continues to persist, you should speak to your physician regarding prospective methods of treatment.
A more serious form of postpartum depression can; however, appear as much as up to one year following the birth of a baby. The symptoms associated with this form of postpartum depression may be similar to the milder form; however, they will be more severe. This form of the condition can last from several weeks up to a year. When postpartum depression presents more than a month after giving birth, the new mother should speak to her physician immediately. Treatment options include antidepressants and counseling/psychotherapy.
In more rare instances, postpartum psychosis may occur. While quite rare, this form of the condition can be the most serious. Symptoms associated with this form of the condition will typically become apparent not long after delivery; however, they may last for months. Symptoms include extreme agitation, insomnia, delusions and/or hallucinations, rapid speech, mania, hyperactivity, paranoia, feelings of hopelessness and shame. This form of postpartum depression has been linked to a higher risk of suicide and potential harm to the baby. Medical attention should be sought immediately upon the presentation of any symptoms associated with postpartum psychosis. Prescription medications and in-hospital therapy are commonly used as treatment options.
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