Simply defined Post partum depression is a depression that occurs after childbirth.
Post-partum depression or PPD can be experienced by not only the new mother but the partner and new born as well. However given the high rate in which it affects the partner, the availability of resources that can be used to resolve PPD is very low. There is also a substantial lack of knowledge about PPD and its effects of the new father; this lack of information often leads to negative stigmas and judgment. Although the notion that Fathers can experience PPD is new and often accepted by medical professionals, the complexities of PPD that are presented in our society are the lack of information and resources given to the new fathers who suffer from PPD.
The definition of PPD as stated by the A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia of America is “depression suffered by a mother following childbirth, typically arising from the combination of hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood, and fatigue.”(A.D.A.M, 2015)
This definition cannot be used to accurately describe the cause and effect of PPD in males; in fact the definition completely neglects to consider that males are affected by PPD at all. This quote was taken from the most current 2015 edition and even though there have been a few studies that have proved PPD effects the male partners of a new mother it would seem that they have not yet been accounted for within the Medical Encyclopedia of America. This proposed notion was also
Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications of childbearing with an estimated prevalence of 19.2% in the first three months after delivery (1). Depressive episodes (major and mild) may be experienced by approximately half of women during the first postpartum year (1). Characterized by depressed mood, loss of pleasure or interest in daily activities, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, irritability, sleep and eating disturbances (2), its etiology is multi-faceted and complex (3;4).
There are several mood disorders that falls under the umbrella of PPD which makes it vital to decipher between them.
The birthing process generally leaves women with overwhelming joy and happiness. However, some women do experience a period of postpartum blues lasting for a few days or at most a couple of weeks but goes away with the adjustment of having a baby (Postpartum Depression, 2013). A condition called Postpartum Depression Disorder (PPD) leaves a dark gray cloud over 10-20% of woman after birth that is recognized in individuals 3 weeks to a year after the delivery of their baby (Bobo & Yawn, 2014). PPD leaves new mothers feeling lonely, anxious, and hopeless (Bobo at el, 2014). Postpartum Depression is a cross cutting disorder that can affect any woman after the delivery of a baby regardless of race, socioeconomic status, age, or education level (Postpartum Depression, 2013). Although this disorder affects more than 10% of women the article Concise Review for Physicians and Other Clinicians: Postpartum Depression reports that less than half of women with PPD are actually diagnosed with this condition (Bobo at el, 2014). It is important that postpartum women and their support systems receive education on what PPD consist of and ways to recognize the signs and symptoms of PPD so that a diagnosis is not overlooked. Early diagnosis is important because early recognition and treatment of the disorder yields for better results when treating individuals with PPD. In this paper I will deliver information about PPD based on recent literature,
The presence of risk factors does not guarantee that a woman will experience PPD, but it may indicate that the health care provider should pay a little more attention to possible signs and symptoms of depression. Known risk factors include depression or other mental illness prior to, and during, pregnancy, a family history of depression or other mental health disorders, a history of substance abuse, the age of the mother, financial concerns, lack of a support system, and being a single parent (Camp, 2013). In the presence of risk factors it is important for the health care provider to educate the woman on ways to
Of those women, 1053 completed both the initial assessment as well as the follow-up 6-8 weeks after giving birth. The patients self-reported their “height, pre pregnancy weight, and pregnancy weight gain immediately postpartum; their body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy was also calculated.”7 Six to eight weeks later and using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), patients again self-reported their postpartum weight along with their answers to the questionnaire. The well validated standard for the EPDS is a score of ≥12 to predict PPD. Those that screened positive were referred to other support services and more information regarding whether or not they had support services for PPD was also
Society must realize postpartum depression is treatable and manageable. Depression of any kind is a serious illness that requires not only further study, but a shift in thinking so it is less misunderstood and more widely recognized. Early identification of PPD symptoms must be increased in order to alleviate the tremendous burden this illness causes on families and new mothers and while current diagnosis practices are expanding to include earlier identification and increasing successful treatment, it is critical that the medical community work together to expand and add to the prevention of postpartum depression. In conjunction with a greater tolerance and understanding of this mostly hidden disease, perhaps depression will no longer be such a hidden and misunderstood mental
Postpartum Depression also referred to as “the baby blues” is depression that is suffered by a mother following the birth of her child that typically arises from the combination of hormonal changes and fatigue, as well as the psychological adjustment to becoming a mother. Most mothers will feel depressed or anxious after the birth of their child, however it turns into postpartum depression when is lasts longer than two weeks, and if treatment is not sought after a month, it could continue to worsen severely.
Postpartum depression in a common experience for newer mothers to have after childbirth. It is meant to last only a few days but can extend for a few months if it is severe. It is thought that it is caused by extreme hormonal shifts in the body after childbirth. If not treated in time, it has a potential chance harm the mother or the child. It is important that the mother feels appreciated and respected during this time. This article will help by giving further information in postpartum depression and further help the claims of how gender roles can further depression.
Research shows that many women experience these symptoms during pregnancy. Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety that occur during pregnancy or within a year of delivery are now referred to as Perinatal Mood Disorders (PPMDs). Postpartum Depression is also caused
Postpartum depression interferes with the care a mother is able to provide to her infant and can occur right after birth or up to several months later. The exact cause of postpartum depression (PPD) is not known but research has thought it can be related to changes in hormone levels and changes in lifestyle. Most women do experience the “baby blues” and feel anxious, tearful and irritated in the first weeks after delivery. These feelings however usually go away. Postpartum
About eight to fifteen percent of childbearing women experience PPD during the first year after childbirth,
Postpartum depression is the epitome of grief, strife, and angst which slithers and knots its cruel intentions through every inch of your body and soul. It 's a predominant force in the daily life of mother 's suffering with PPD, relentlessly taunting its innocent victims to an extremely lonely, dark breaking point. Feeding psychologically, this tenacious monster 's very existence depending entirely on its host; much like a parasite.
Postpartum depression is a condition that differs from general depression for its different symptoms, and is associated with childbirth only, which allows it to be separated from the depression that may affect a woman at any other time.
This research was aimed at identifying women that have predisposing factors that can lead to postpartum -depression and comparing them with samples that had lower risk factors. My observation in reference to this question is that no one is exempt. There are many physical and emotional issues that can affect women during their postpartum period because of the different hormonal changes in her body. Events that could have affected this question is dishonest from the participants in reference to demographic, health and mental status, etc. The author states “ factors to be associated with moderate to high risk of PPD include depression, anxiety during pregnancy, stressful life events, low levels of social support, and the personality factor of neuroticism. ( Katon, Russo & Gavin, 2014)
Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common complication of childbirth, affecting 10-15% of postpartum women. (Murray & McKinney, 2014) The American Psychiatric Association (2013) defines “peripartum depression” as a period of depression with onset during pregnancy or within 4 weeks after childbirth that lasts at least 2 weeks. Women of all ages, ethnic groups, educational levels, and social status are affected by PPD. According to Murray & McKinney (2014) there are a number of risk factors that contribute to PPD including: depression during pregnancy or previous PPD (strong predictors), first pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations that follow childbirth, medical problems during pregnancy, personality characteristics, marital dysfunction, anger