HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND TREAT POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

This month, the Office on Women's Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, updated its fact sheet Women and Postpartum Depression.  The term "postpartum depression" (PPD) describes the range of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that many new mothers experience following childbirth.  This condition can range from 1) "the baby blues," which are characterized by temporary but sudden mood swings that may disappear as quickly as they appeared, without the need for medication; to 2) PPD, which can occur a few days or months after delivery and is characterized by such intense feelings of sadness, despair, anxiety, and irritability that the woman's ability to function may be impaired; to 3) postpartum psychosis, a serious mental illness that may cause a woman to lose touch with reality.

According to the fact sheet, a woman who has had any of the following is at risk for PPD:

*  Previous PPD;
*  Depression not related to pregnancy;
*  Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS); and
*  A nonsupportive partner and stress related to family, marriage, occupation, housing, and events during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Postpartum depression can manifest itself in a number of ways.  Symptoms include irritability, headaches, inability to sleep, weight loss or weight gain, difficulty concentrating, feelings of inadequacy, and fear of harming the baby.  Hormonal changes after delivery may trigger the symptoms of PPD.  Decreased thyroid levels can also produce symptoms that mimic depression.

The most common treatments for PPD are antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, support group participation, or a combination of treatments.  Women are encouraged to discuss any symptoms with their doctors and to be assertive about their concerns.

The fact sheet concludes with a list of organizations that specialize in women's health concerns, including some that deal specifically with PPD.

The Office on Women's Health emphasizes, "It is important to recognize that postpartum depression is both temporary and treatable."

The Women and Postpartum Depression fact sheet is available online at <http://www.4woman.gov/owh/pub/factsheets/postpartum.htm>.



~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**
Cindy Curtis, RN, IBCLC   >^..^<
mailto:[log in to unmask]
http://www.breastfeedingonline.com

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