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What is postpartum depression?

Baby blues?

Post partum depression (PND) is the disruption in the relationship between a mother and her child, which can sinificantly impair the child's cognitive and physical development. Studies have revealed that 20% of women can become depressed during their pregnancy, where as post partum affects 10-20% of mothers. By means of a meta-analysis it has been found that the prevalence of PND is approximately 12-13% in developed countries with a greater incidence in less fortunate countries.  

 The National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health discourages the term "postnatal depression", as it can be misconceived as any mental disorder which is present in the post atal period, and this may lead to misdiagnosis of another serious mental illness. 

PND can be extremely debilitating for women and their children. It is during pregnancy that women are the most susceptible to depression compared to any other part of their life. Depsite men being typically more prone to suicidality, it is suicide which is the most common contributing factor of maternl death in the year following birth.

PND shares some common symptoms with depression but present slightly differently. Such common symptoms include the following: 

  • Anxiety

  • Anhedonia

  • Sleep disturbances 

  • Lack of concentration 

  • Low energy levels

Post partum depression 

It is imperative to correctly distinguish the differences between PND and the Baby blues as it can result in detrimental consequences for the safety of the mother, child and others. 

 

The Baby Blues are a mild form of depression, so mild that they are deemed to be a natural emotional response after delivery. Symptoms include the following:  

  • Inability to sleep 

  • Lethargy

  • Lack of concentration 

  • Mood swings 

​Most women find that symptoms self terminate by the 10th day post delivery) peaking at days 3-5, and no pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy is necessary. 

Differences between Post Partum Depression and the Baby BluesI

Puerperal psychosis 

Puerperal psychosis also known as postpartum psychosis, is an affective disorder which presents during the  first  month of the postnatal period.

 

Symptoms of puerperal psychosis include: 

  • Suicidal ideation/behaviour

  • Infanticide ideation/behaviour 

  • Either mania OR mixed symptoms of mania and depression 

  • Irrational behaviour

  • Talking rapidly 

  • Hallucinations 

  • Delusions 

  • Delerium 

 

 

Although rare, this condition is deemed to be a psychiatric emergency, so if suspected, a perinatal psychiatrist should be consulted. In these cases, admission to a specialised mother and baby unit is necessary, However prior to this an assessment must be conducted involving family members and the specialised  healthcare professionals. 

 

 

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