INDEPTH: HEALTH
Postpartum depression (PPD)
CBC News Online | Dec. 3, 2004
Serious postpartum depression (PPD) occurs in 10 to 15 per cent of women who have just given birth.
A less severe form, known as "baby blues," is very common, occurring in about 90 per cent of women. It is not considered a mental illness.
PPD can occur at any time within the first year after a woman gives birth.
The causes of PPD may be related to hormonal changes brought about by childbirth and to the changes a new baby brings to the life of a family. Women who have a family history of depression, or who have suffered from depression before, are at greater risk for PPD.
While the "baby blues" have mild symptoms of sleeplessness and crying spells, serious postpartum depression has a wider range of symptoms, and they typically last longer than two weeks.
PPD symptoms
- Changes in sleep patterns, either being unable to sleep or sleeping too much.
- Fatigue or lack of energy.
- Changes in appetite, either eating too little or too much.
- Feeling hopeless, a loss of control or great sadness.
- Crying for no reason.
- Having no feelings or too much concern for the baby.
- Irritability or outbursts of anger.
- Feeling little interest in daily activities.
- Feelings of guilt.
- Anxiety or panic attacks.
- Difficulty making decisions.
- Suicidal thoughts.
- Scary and repetitive thoughts about the safety of the baby.
In about one in 1,000 women, postpartum depression can take a more severe form: postpartum psychosis. The symptoms of postpartum psychosis are exaggerated to the point of delusions and hallucinations, including hearing voices.
PPD in any of these forms is treatable with counselling and/or medication.
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