Postpartum depression

Introduction Postpartum depression is the most common type of female mental disorder. It is a series of changes in physical, emotional and psychological factors caused by sex hormones, social roles and psychological changes after female production. Typical postpartum depression occurs within 6 weeks of postpartum, sustaining the entire puerperium, and some even last until the child goes to school. The incidence of postpartum depression is between 15% and 30%. Postpartum depression usually occurs within 6 weeks, and can recover spontaneously within 3 to 6 months, but it can last for 1 to 2 years in severe cases and 20% to 30% in re-pregnancy.

Cause

Perfectionist character

Because perfectionism women are too high or unrealistic about their mother's expectations after childbirth, and they are unwilling to seek help when they are in trouble, they may not be able to adapt to being a new mother. And if the husband rarely takes care of the children together or the women lack the spiritual support of the husband, they will feel tremendous pressure.

2. Have mood swings during pregnancy

There have been serious emotional fluctuations during pregnancy, such as moving, having relatives and friends, or war, etc. will make pregnant women more likely to produce postpartum depression. Many cases have shown that most women have already shown signs of postpartum depression during pregnancy, and many of them will continue to deepen postpartum depression.

3. Endocrine

During the process of pregnancy and childbirth, the endocrine environment of the body has undergone great changes, especially within 24 hours after birth, the rapid change of hormone levels in the body is the biological basis of postpartum depression. The study found that the release of placental steroids before delivery reached the highest value, the patient showed a pleasant mood, and the patient showed depression when the secretion of placental steroids suddenly decreased after secretion.

4. Genetics

A family history of mental illness, especially in women with a family history of depression, has a high incidence of postpartum depression, suggesting that family inheritance may affect a woman's susceptibility to depression and her personality.

5. Body

Maternal women with physical illness or disability have developed post-production depression, especially in the case of infection and fever, which has an effect on the promotion of postpartum depression. Further susceptibility to central nervous function, emotional and motor information processing systems (such as dopamine) may be related to the occurrence of postpartum depression.

an examination

Related inspection

Cerebrospinal fluid magnesium

Therefore, clinically, patients with postpartum depression should be examined:

First, physical examination

Taking a medical history gives us a first impression and revelation, and also guides us to a concept of the nature of the disease.

Second, laboratory inspection

Laboratory examinations must be summarized and analyzed based on objective data learned from medical history and physical examination, from which several diagnostic possibilities may be proposed, and further consideration should be given to those examinations to confirm the diagnosis.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis of postpartum depression:

Mainly differentiated from puerperal psychosis. Psychiatric puerperal illness is an important mental and behavioral disorder associated with the puerperium, the vast majority occurring in the first 2 weeks after delivery, but any degree of mental illness may occur within 6 weeks after delivery. Its clinical features are insanity, acute hallucinations and delusions, depression and vaginal crossover polymorphic course and symptom variability. Psychiatric illness during the puerperium occurs most frequently within 7 days after childbirth, mainly in primipara, multi-child, and low socioeconomic women. For patients with appeal causes, incentives and symptoms, psychiatrists should be consulted to assist in the diagnosis and treatment, and general examinations and laboratory tests should be performed to eliminate mental disorders associated with serious physical and brain diseases. Minnesota's multiple personality questionnaires, 90 Symptoms Self-Assessment Scale, Self-rating Depression Scale, and Self-rating Anxiety Scale can help understand the emotional state of patients.

All depressions that occur within 1 year postpartum are defined according to the definition of PPD, but most PPD occurs within the first 3 months of postpartum. The main symptoms of PPD are depression, tears and unexplained sadness. However, symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, fear and panic are also common in mothers with depression. Lack of motivation and boredom are also important related symptoms. Active neurological symptoms of PPD include low appetite, weight loss, early sleep, fatigue and fatigue, as well as constipation. In terms of cognition, PPD can cause inattention, forgetfulness, and lack of confidence. In more serious cases, there may also be self-esteem reduction, disappointment and conscious uselessness. In such cases, you should ask if you have an attempt to commit suicide.

The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments.