Post-Partum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the mental health complications that may arise following childbirth.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) defines postpartum depression as a depressive episode with moderate to severe severity that begins four weeks after delivery and can last up to 12 months after childbirth.
Risk factors:
- History of depression
- Stressful life events
- Low social support
- Antenatal anxiety
- Preference of infant’s gender
- Low income
- Marital problems
- Emergency delivery
Symptoms:
- Feeling sad, low mood, tearful most of the time
- Loss of interest in things that used to give pleasure.
- Feeling tired all the time
- Trouble at sleeping
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Problems concentrating and making decisions.
- Feeling hopeless, guilty, self-blame
If you think you or someone you know may be depressed after delivering a baby, please seek help or direct them to the support they need.
Article by,
Dr. Norizan Othman
MBBS (MMMC), MRCPsych (UK)
Specialty:
Psychiatry