Postpartum Depression is a clinical depression that develops during pregnancy or within the first six months after giving birth.

Postpartum depression affects women of all ages, economic status, and racial/ethnic background. Up to 80% of women experience some mood disturbance either during or after pregnancy. For most women, these symptoms of mood disturbance are mild and go away on their own. But approximately 10-20% of women develop a more disabling form of mood disorder called postpartum depression.

The symptoms of postpartum depression are generally indistinguishable from those of a Major Depressive Disorder. Signs and symptoms include:

• Feeling sad most of the time
• Showing little interest in one's baby
• Experiencing loss of interest in pleasurable activities which a person used to enjoy in the past
• Excessive feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and helplessness
• Decreased energy and less motivation to do things
• Frequent crying spells
• Increased irritability
• Disturbed sleep patterns that include trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping more than usual

Other symptoms of Postpartum Depression may include frequent doubts, anxieties, or excessive concerns about one's ability to care for their child, and in severe cases may also include thoughts of suicide or even symptoms of psychosis. Fortunately, despite the presence of suicidal ideation and profound dysfunction in more serious cases, the rates of suicide appear to be relatively low in women who suffer from Postpartum Depression.

Risk factors for Postpartum Depression include a prior history of depression, history of substance abuse, Traumatic birth experience, history of child abuse or neglect, young age of mother, family history of mental illness, and poor social support are risk factors for mother developing Postpartum Depression.

Treatment of Postpartum Depression is generally guided by the type and severity of the symptoms present and the degree of functional impairment exhibited. As symptoms of Postpartum Blues often resolve spontaneously, there is often no intervention made in this situation. However in the more severe case of Postpartum Depression itself, management typically involves both pharmacologic (medication) and non-pharmacologic therapies, as well as inpatient hospitalization and Electro-Convulsive Treatment (ECT) in more severe cases, if necessary. Pharmacologic interventions include the use of such medications as antidepressants, as this class of medications has proven highly effective in treating depression. Of course, if a woman is breast-feeding, she needs to talk with an appropriately trained health care provider to help ensure the proper choice of an effective and safe antidepressant in this situation.