What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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The primary clinical manifestation of postpartum depression is depression, which typically develops within two weeks after childbirth. The symptoms are most pronounced between four to six weeks postpartum. Affected women may display suppressed moods, apathy, reluctance to interact with others, and even estrangement from their husbands. Some may show a lack of confidence in life and family, decreased initiative, and express weariness of life. Additionally, they might have poor concentration, significantly reduced appetite and libido, and some individuals may also experience headaches and dizziness, among other symptoms.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can postpartum depression recur?

Postpartum depression has a certain recurrence rate and typically manifests within six weeks after childbirth. It can resolve within six months postpartum, but severe cases may persist for one to two years. The causes of postpartum depression are complex, primarily occurring in women who have had previous mental health disorders. The condition can be exacerbated by physical discomfort, excessive fatigue, and sleep disturbances following childbirth. Depression is an emotional issue; generally, if women receive careful support from family members after delivery, the occurrence of postpartum depression can be reduced.

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

Women often experience emotional changes after childbirth, which may be related to mental tension, stress, and physical fatigue postpartum. Clinically, this is mainly manifested as a decline in psychological function or impairment in social functions, presenting as negative emotional states with prolonged duration. Symptoms primarily include feeling low, frequent crying, insomnia, loss of appetite, depression, and intense guilt and feelings of inferiority towards the baby. These are all symptoms of postpartum depression.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
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Can postpartum depression be inherited?

Postpartum depression is not inherited by children. It is mainly due to anxiety, tension, irritability, and other negative emotions that appear after childbirth. The occurrence of postpartum depression is mainly caused by both physiological and psychological influences after childbirth. This impact is due to the emotional changes in the mother and is generally not inherited by children, as the mother's body is healthy and her emotions are good during pregnancy. Therefore, this emotional behavior is generally not inherited.

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Which department should I go to for postpartum depression?

In cases of postpartum depression, it is advisable for family members to accompany the new mother to the hospital to see a psychologist. Postpartum depression is a mental and psychological disorder that occurs in women after childbirth, mainly related to changes in hormone levels in the body after childbirth. Additionally, it is related to increased mental stress, emotional changes, and the level of family attention after childbirth. When postpartum depression occurs, the emotions of the affected women generally tend to be quite low. They may also lose confidence in life and, in severe cases, may feel despair towards life and even exhibit suicidal tendencies. Therefore, it is crucial for family members to offer more care and affection.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is the incidence of postpartum depression high?

The incidence of postpartum depression is around 15%-30%, and it is a common psychiatric disorder among women after childbirth. This condition arises due to the change in social roles for women postpartum, as well as changes in hormones, psychological stress, emotional levels, and attention from family members, bringing a series of physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Typically, postpartum depression occurs within six weeks of childbirth and can last throughout the entire postpartum period, with some cases lasting even longer, up until the child starts school.