Types of Depression: Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Following pregnancy, many women experience some type of emotional disturbance. The physical stress of childbirth, the rapid change in hormone levels, and the extreme responsibility of having a new baby all contribute to a potentially fragile state of mind. These feelings, which can last several days after birth, are characterized by grief, tearfulness, and irritability.

When these feelings last weeks, months, or even years, the disorder is characterized as postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is very similar to a major depressive disorder. Postpartum depression may also be accompanied by anxiety and panic. In extreme cases, a mother may even experience delusional thinking or hallucinations. There may be intrusive thoughts of suicide or of injuring the baby.

Since postpartum depression is so similar to other depressive disorders, it is typically treated in the same way. Medication and therapy are often what is needed to help the mother feel like herself again.