Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs in some women within the first 6 weeks after childbirth. Depression is a medical condition that leads to intense feelings of sadness or despair. These feelings don't go away on their own.

What is going on in the body?

Depression is a disorder of the brain. Researchers believe that chemicals called neurotransmitters are involved in depression. Nerve impulses cause the release of neurotransmitters from one nerve cell, or neuron, to the next. This release allows cells to communicate with one another. Too little or too much of these important neurotransmitters may be released and cause or contribute to depression. Some of the neurotransmitters believed to be linked to depression are serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Pregnancy and childbirth are accompanied by hormonal changes that can affect emotions. The round-the-clock job of caring for a new baby can seem overwhelming at times. Too little rest usually accompanies these physical and emotional stresses.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There are many theories about what causes depression. Depression may be caused by any of the following:

certain illnesses

certain medications, including antibiotics and medicines used to treat acne

changes in brain chemicals

heredity

hormonal changes

lack of sunlight

major stresses

negative thinking patterns

Risk factors for depression in general include:

alcohol abuse

drug abuse and addiction

job strain

personal history of a suicide attempt

personal or family history of depression

stress

The hormonal changes of pregnancy and childbirth contribute to a woman's risk for postpartum depression. Caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. Physical exhaustion, lack of sleep, unrealistic role expectations, and social isolation can all play a role in postpartum depression.

The following increase the risk for developing postpartum depression:

early hospital discharge after childbirth

history of severe premenstrual syndrome

lack of support system

marital problems

previous history of depression

traumatic birth experience

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Symptoms & Signs

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

In general, symptoms of depression include:

appetite problems

decreased energy

difficulty paying attention or making decisions

feeling very sensitive emotionally

feelings of irritability

feelings of sadness, despair, and emptiness

inability to feel pleasure

loss of motivation and withdrawal from others

low self-esteem

pessimism and negativity

sleeping problems

thoughts about suicide and death

A woman with postpartum depression may also experience the following symptoms:

excessive concern over the baby

excessive, severe mood swings

fear of harming the baby

feelings of guilt

frequent headaches and other physical discomforts

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Diagnosis & Tests

How is the condition diagnosed?

There are several tools a woman can use to screen for postpartum depression. These are designed to help her recognize the signs and symptoms of the problem so she can seek help. This may include a list of questions such as:

Are you experiencing difficulty sleeping?

Do you feel anxious, tense, or panicked much of the day?

Do you find yourself crying uncontrollably for unexplained reasons?

Is it difficult for you to concentrate?

Are you filled with self-doubt and lacking in self-esteem?

Have you experienced sudden changes in appetite?

Are you feeling totally exhausted and lacking in enthusiasm for things that once seemed pleasurable?

Do you feel more distant from your spouse or partner?

Do you often feel helpless, hopeless, and unable to cope?

Are you overly concerned about the health of your baby, constantly worrying about what could go wrong?

Do you feel like most days you are out of control or going crazy?

Do you ever think of hurting yourself or your baby?

If a woman answers yes to any of these questions, she may be at risk for postpartum depression. The woman should have a comprehensive evaluation for depression. The evaluation may include a medical history, physical exam, and lab tests.

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Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the condition?

There is no prevention for postpartum depression. However, there are things a woman can do to minimize the problem. These include the following steps.

Ask family and friends to help with cooking or housework.

Get adequate rest, nutrition, and emotional support.

Get regular exercise.

Set aside some personal time.

Sleep when the baby sleeps.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Untreated, postpartum depression interferes with bonding between mother and infant. Serious depression may be accompanied by:

aggressive feelings toward the baby

loss of appetite

loss of pride in personal appearance and home

suicidal tendencies

withdrawal from others

What are the risks to others?

Depression is not contagious. However, a mother who is severely depressed may neglect or abuse her baby.

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Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the condition?

The two most common ways of treating depression are with antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. Often a combination is used. Occasionally a woman must be hospitalized for intense treatment or for her own safety.

Antidepressant medications are effective in the following ways:

increasing the woman's ability to function in daily life

lowering the risk of suicide

making the woman feel better

The following types of medications are used to treat depression:

monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, such as phenelzine sulfate and tranylcypromine sulfate

other antidepressants, such as nefazodone and venlafaxine

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, including paroxetine HCl and fluoxetine HCl

tetracyclic antidepressants, such as maprotiline HCl and mirtazapine

tricyclic antidepressants, also called TCAs, including amitripyline HCl and desipramine HCl

A woman with postpartum depression can also benefit from learning about the following coping mechanisms:

accepting help when it is offered and designating where help is needed

arranging for relaxation time

decreasing concern with appearances, such as a tidy house

getting plenty of sleep and rest

including others in care of the newborn when possible

setting priorities for task, such as household tasks

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antidepressants may cause mild and usually temporary side effects in some people. The most common side effects are as follows:

agitation

constipation

dizziness

drowsiness

dry mouth

nausea

What happens after treatment for the condition?

With medication, counseling and support, most cases of postpartum depression improve within 3 to 4 weeks.

How is the condition monitored?

A woman taking an antidepressant medication needs to have blood levels of the drug monitored frequently. She may have regular visits with the healthcare provider until the depression is gone. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

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