Post Pregnancy: What is postpartum depression?

What Is Postpartum Depression: If you have symptoms of postpartum depression, your doctor will evaluate their severity, they will also ask about other mood-related symptoms to determine whether you have depression or another condition. Thyroid levels may also be checked to make sure the gland is functioning properly. Because hypothyroidism can cause symptoms similar to postpartum depression.

Depression after delivery is not just a mental condition, it is a medical condition called postpartum depression. Because there is no awareness about it among the common people, experts believe that it cannot be diagnosed correctly. There is no blood test or body scan to detect this mood disorder. For this, the doctor finds out about postpartum depression by asking some questions about the mental state.

Dr. Avir Sarkar MBBS, MD, Professor, Noida International University,  says that along with increasing awareness about postpartum depression, doctors are trying to detect risk factors during the first prenatal checkup. If a woman is at risk, her doctor may evaluate her mood throughout her pregnancy. After the birth of the child, all close relatives should also pay attention to the symptoms of depression. The doctor should also look for such signs in the checkup after 6 weeks. 

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that is seen in women after having a child. Women with postpartum depression experience emotional ups and downs, frequent crying, fatigue, guilt, and anxiety, and may have trouble caring for their baby. It can be treated with medicine and counseling.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression -

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) - Many doctors consider this to be the best way to screen for postpartum depression. This is a list of 10 short sentences. For each, you need to indicate how often you have felt that way in the last 7 days. This includes things like "I've been worried or upset for no reason" and "I've had thoughts of harming myself."

2-Question Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) - Although it is short, it is considered a good first way to screen women who may have PPD. You will be asked how often in the last 2 weeks you have had less interest or pleasure in doing things or felt sad, depressed, or helpless. You will have four answer options ranging from "not at all" to "almost every day."

 9-Question Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) – If the PHQ-2 shows you may be depressed, your doctor will ask you about other symptoms, such as changes in sleep and appetite, trouble concentrating, and low energy. Will ask. The more often you feel them, the more likely it is that you are depressed.

What is the treatment for postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression sometimes goes away on its own within 3 months of giving birth. But, if it ever interferes with your daily life, or "the blues" last more than 2 weeks, you should get treatment. About 90% of women who have postpartum depression can be treated successfully with medication or a combination of medication and psychotherapy. A support group may also be helpful.