What is post partum depression

Postpartum depression awareness began in the late 1980s and since then, many research-based studies have been conducted with the aim of presenting the world important facts about the condition on the lines of prevalence, causes, signs and symptoms, risk factors, management, treatment, and the success rate of various treatment techniques of postpartum depression (National Institute of Health). The aim of the paper below is to assess the studies with the aim of presenting significant facts about postpartum depression, a condition that affects a large number of women in the world. Prevalence and Other Post-Partum Depression Statistics In the United States, more than 70% of women experience baby blues (the most common symptom of postpartum depression) while more than 80% experience other severe symptoms of postpartum depression.

For all the live births in the United States, the clinical post-partum depression rate is 10-20%. This is the standing rate of clinical diagnosis of postpartum depression in the United States. The change in the level of hormones directly affects the mood of women. Other hon-hormonal aspects that are likely to affect the mood of women during and after pregnancy include changes that the body experience at pregnancy and in delivery, the change in social relationships and work procedures of women, time and freedom limitations that women face during and after pregnancy, the lack of enough sleep that comes maternal care, and anxiety that comes with the desire of developing the capability of being a good other (National Institute of Health).

The level of postpartum depression may be caused by different factors depending on the type women and environment that women live in. Another major factor that leads to postpartum depression is the socioeconomic status of women or the family. Women with a low socioeconomic status frequently experience postpartum depression that comes with anxiety and challenges faced during and after pregnancy (Goyal, Gay, and Lee 96). Other symptoms that might emerge include reduce the ability to make decisions, reduced concentration and ability to think clearly, negative thoughts of harming oneself or the baby, and recurrent suicide or death thoughts (Gyoerkoe and Wiegartz 19). If untreated, the symptoms can last for months. It is vital for women to see a doctor if they experience depression after childbirth.

The presence of postpartum depression symptoms and postpartum baby blues should be reported to a doctor for the scheduling of an appointment. It is vital to call a doctor if the depression signs and symptoms don’t reduce in a span of two weeks, if the signs and symptoms get worse, if they make it tough for one to deliver quality attention for the young baby, and if the result to negative thoughts of harming oneself or the baby (Gyoerkoe and Wiegartz 19). As for the babies, behavioural and emotional problems in parents that are likely to emerge with the depression reduce the quality of care delivered to children. Poor quality of care limits good growth and development of the child. Problems experienced by parents might lead to excessive crying by the baby, difficulties in eating and sleeping and the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that can lead to delayed language development in children (Hamdan and Hani 245).

Prevention of Postpartum Disorder It is important for parents with a history of postpartum depression and other depression disorders to inform their doctors when planning to become pregnant or once one finds out they are pregnant. During pregnancy, doctors monitor the patient for depression signs and symptoms. Relationship and family therapy are also useful (Cuijpers, Jessica, and Annemieke 105). Doctors as well recommend antidepressants that work well with breastfeeding. Benefits and potential risks of antidepressants are weighed before administration ((Cuijpers, Jessica, and Annemieke 108). Within six months, postpartum depression goes away with good treatment. It can last longer and become a chronic depression. Works Cited American Psychological Association (APA). What is postpartum depression & anxiety? August 2017, https://www. apa. org/pi/women/resources/reports/postpartum-depression.