What is PPD?

Postpartum Mood Disorders 

Women of childbearing age should be aware that postpartum depression can strike any woman after delivery whether she is a first time mother or has had previous pregnancies. There are three types of mood disorders: The Baby Blues, Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis. 

The Baby Blues

Approximately 80% of all new mothers experience the baby blues.  Symptoms may last only a few days or weeks. The baby blues is a mild form of depression and may be caused by hormonal changes, disrupted sleep patterns and fatigue. Symptoms include: crying spells, irritability, sadness, anxious and frustration. Twenty percent of women with the baby blues will go on to develop postpartum depression.

Postpartum Depression

At least 20% of all new mothers will develop postpartum depression.  Symptoms of postpartum depression are similar but more persistent than the baby blues.  Postpartum depression usually develops a few weeks after delivery but can occur at any time during the first year after childbirth.  Symptoms may include: chronic crying, sleep disturbances, panic attacks, rapid weight loss or gain, extreme concern for/or lack of interest in the baby, suicidal thoughts, feelings of doubt, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, decreased concentration or ability to make decisions.  Many women are ashamed of their feelings and often do not seek help.  Early recognition and proper treatment are important.

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum Psychosis is an extremely rare disorder that affect one or two women in a thousand.  Postpartum psychosis has a rapid onset of symptoms that usually occur during the first few weeks after delivery and include hallucinations, delusions, rapid mood swings, hyperactivity, incoherent statements, thoughts of harming self or baby, losing touch with reality.  Treatment options include psychotherapy, medications and hospitalization. Postpartum Psychosis is a very serious emergency and requires immediate medical care.

Frequently asked questions

What are the signs for Postpartum Depression?

How is Postpartum Depression treated?

Most women with postpartum depression get better when they get treatment.  The two most common treatments for postpartum depression are medication and psychotherapy (talking with a trained professional).  Hospitalization may be necessary in some cases.  Health care providers may need to try different medications to find the one(s) that will help the most.  It also may take a few weeks or months on the medications before you begin to feel a change in your mood and outlook.

Talk to your health care provider about how you are feeling.  Get a checkup to see if there are any physical problems or medications that are causing your depression.  Your health care provider can help you get the treatment you need.

Talk to a family member, friend, or religious leader you trust and who can help you find someone to treat your depression.

In the Chicago-area, there are several hospitals that provide treatment and support programs.

• Between 400,000 and 580,000 women -- 1 in 5 -- suffer from PPD in the U.S. each year.
• 80% of all women giving birth experience some level of depression
• Suicide is the leading cause of death for women during the first year after childbirth
• There is a seven-fold increase in the risk of psychiatric hospitalization for women following childbirth
• PPD negatively impacts the cognitive and emotional development of children up to age five
• Children of depressed mothers see their primary care physicians more often and have higher rates of prescription medications and hospitalizations than children of non-depressed mothers