Causes of Postpartum Depression

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on September 14, 2024
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The main reasons for postpartum depression occur because, after childbirth, there is a sharp change in hormone levels in women, which often leads to the development of postpartum depression. Additionally, aside from hormonal changes, there are also psychological changes in women after childbirth. Women may struggle with poor adaptation postpartum, as well as a lack of clear role identification and acceptance, leading to contradictory emotions that they find difficult to manage under normal stress. This situation is prone to lead to depression. Moreover, women tend to be physically weaker after childbirth, experiencing fatigue and physical discomfort, which can also affect their emotional state. Furthermore, the lack of care from family members or the husband can make it more likely for postpartum depression to occur.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
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What are the signs of mild depression?

Signs of mild depression may also include a gloomy mood, an inability to feel joy, a sorrowful facial expression, and often downturned corners of the mouth. The head may be tilted forward with a downward gaze, and there might be fewer changes in posture. Patients may experience sleep disturbances, commonly having trouble falling asleep, waking repeatedly at night, and still being in the sleep process when waking up in the morning. Appetite reduction may not be very noticeable. Mood variations occur during the day, often with a worse mood in the evening compared to the morning. There is no significant slowing down of movement, but the emotional state of the patient is often poor. Some patients may experience symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, such as dizziness, headaches, and bodily discomfort, which are indicative of mild depression.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
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Treatment of Depression

The treatment of depression in clinical settings primarily utilizes pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and physical therapy. Pharmacotherapy, as the first-line treatment for depression, mainly relies on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, venlafaxine, and duloxetine. Adequate dosages and treatment duration with a systematic approach are essential when using pharmacotherapy. Secondly, psychotherapy. The main psychotherapeutic approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, and interpersonal therapy, which aim to improve the patient's irrational cognitions and rebuild their cognitive framework. Thirdly, physical therapy. In clinical practice, physical therapy mainly encompasses electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation, both of which can yield significant therapeutic outcomes. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhang Chun Yun
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Symptoms

Premenstrual dysphoria is a symptom of premenstrual syndrome, which can manifest as mood instability, fatigue, changes in diet, sleep, libido, lack of concentration, inability to work normally or reduced work efficiency, and even a tendency to have accidents at work. There may also be criminal behavior or suicidal thoughts. Therefore, family members should actively take the individual to the hospital for treatment. With the comfort and guidance of a psychologist, the patient with premenstrual dysphoria can relax and re-enter life in a relaxed state, adapting to their role. At the same time, under the doctor's advice, some antidepressant medications should be taken, along with a reasonable diet and appropriate physical exercise, specifically following the doctor’s instructions.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
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What is the depressive mood of depression like?

Patients with depression primarily exhibit symptoms of low mood. They often experience persistent sadness and pessimism. Patients might find it difficult to feel happy, appear gloomy, and are unable to experience joy, particularly in activities that they used to find interesting. In severe cases, they might feel hopeless, in despair, and have thoughts of death, leading to an overwhelming sense that each day is unbearably long. Furthermore, patients might feel that life isn't worth living and that their existence has no meaning, which can lead to thoughts or actions of suicide or self-harm. In this emotional state, their self-evaluation is also typically low; they might feel utterly worthless, viewing themselves as a burden on their family and a parasite in society. Thus, feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, despair, and self-blame are significantly more pronounced.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

In cases of postpartum depression, women primarily exhibit emotional excitability, as well as anxiety, feelings of helplessness, guilt, and concerns about being unable to support their child. Severe cases may involve fears of the child suffering in the world, leading to infanticidal actions, and even suicide. This condition generally occurs more frequently in women who have a history of mental illness. Following childbirth, due to physical discomfort, emotional instability, and factors such as sleep disturbances, these adverse reactions are likely to be exacerbated.