Post-partum depression

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Depression - postpartum

Most of the symptoms are the same as in major depression.

In addition to depressed mood, you may have the following symptoms nearly every day:

• Negative feelings toward the baby
• Lack of pleasure in all or most activities
• Decreased appetite
• Loss of energy experienced
• Feeling withdrawn, socially isolated, or unconnected
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Agitation and irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking
• Thoughts of death or suicide (a suicide plan)

There is no single test to diagnose post-partum depression. Your doctor may have you complete a questionnaire at your office visit to look for signs of depression or risks for depression.

Sometimes depression following pregnancy can be related to other medical conditions. Hypothyroidism, for example, causes symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and depression. Women with post-partum depression should have a blood test to screen for low thyroid hormones.

Review Date: 01/23/2007
Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.