Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression symptoms are essentially the same symptoms seen during an episode of clinical depression. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between postpartum depression signs and the typical “baby blues.”
Postpartum Depression vs. the “Baby Blues”
The baby blues are a period of mild depression and anxiety that may develop within a few days of childbirth. Many women experience baby blues, possibly due to the significant hormonal fluctuations that occur as the body adjusts to no longer being pregnant.
The baby blues are very common. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, up to 80 percent of women experience the baby blues within a few days of childbirth. While often distressing, baby blues symptoms do not require treatment and resolve within a few days or weeks.
Symptoms of the baby blues include:
- Anxiety
- Crying for no reason
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Sadness
- Trouble sleeping.
Symptoms of the baby blues that worsen or persist for more than two weeks may actually be symptoms of postpartum depression.
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Many postpartum depression signs resemble those of the baby blues. However, postpartum depression symptoms tend to be more severe, and do not resolve themselves over time.
The symptoms of postpartum depression are very similar to those seen in cases of clinical depression. Women who experience any of the following symptoms every day for more than two weeks may have postpartum depression:
- Anger or irritability
- Changes in or loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Feelings of inadequacy, guilt or shame
- Insomnia/excessive sleepiness
- Loss of energy
- Loss of interest in activities usually found enjoyable
- Loss of libido (sex drive)
- Mood swings
- Social withdrawal
- Thoughts of self-harm, suicide or harming the baby
- Trouble bonding with baby
- Unable to enjoy life
- Vague physical complaints (headaches, muscle pain, digestive problems).
Signs of Postpartum Psychosis
In rare cases, apparent symptoms of postpartum depression are actually signs of an extremely serious condition known as postpartum psychosis. Postpartum psychosis affects 1 to 4 out of every 1,000 births, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Postpartum psychosis, as the name suggests, is a psychotic disorder, and is marked by a disconnection from reality. Symptoms of postpartum psychosis include:
- Attempts to harm self or baby
- Confusion
- Delusional thinking
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Rapid mood swings.
Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency, and prompt intervention is required for the safety of both mother and child. Fortunately, both postpartum psychosis and postpartum depression symptoms respond well to treatment.
Resources
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Staff. (2009). Postpartum depression. Retrieved May 13, 2010, from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website: www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp091.cfm.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2008). Postpartum depression: Symptoms. Retrieved May 12, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/ds00546/dsection=symptoms.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2009). Depression during and after pregnancy. Retrieved May 12, 2010, from the Women’s Health website: womenshealth.gov/faq/depression-pregnancy.cfm#c.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2010). Postpartum depression. Retrieved May 12, 2010, from the MedlinePlus website: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007215.htm.