Description Depression occurrin...
Description
Depression occurring in the first few weeks after the baby is born. The term `puerperal' refers to the six week period immediately following childbirth. This condition is identical to major depression except that it occurs right after delivery. The disorder affects 1 woman in every 500 who have given birth. The symptoms can be severe enough to impair normal functioning and can interfere with parent-to-baby bonding or in some cases may put the mother or baby's life at risk.
Symptoms
Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping, a dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss, fatigue and lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, inappropriate guilt, extreme difficulty concentrating, agitation, restlessness, irritability, inactivity and withdrawal from usual activities, a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, thoughts of death or suicide.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is made by taking a history. A thyroid blood test and complete blood count may be done to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
Other Specific Tests: Thyroid studies, urine and/or serum toxicology screen
Specialists:
Psychiatry
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is made by taking a history. A thyroid blood test and complete blood count may be done to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
Other Specific Tests: Thyroid studies, urine and/or serum toxicology screen
Specialists:
Psychiatry
Treatment
The depression is most effectively treated with medications and counseling. Medications include selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressant drugs. The mother and baby's safety should be ensured. Any patient who feels life is not worth living needs to seek medical care immediately.