Postpartum Mood Disorders

Question 1

Postpartum Blues Symptoms

Answer 1

Mood lability
Tearfulness
Sadness  or  elation
Anxiety
Irritability
Insomnia
Decreased concentration

Question 2

Postpartum Psychosis

Answer 2

1 to 2 per 1000 postpartum women
Usual onset within 2 weeks of delivery
Women are more likely to experience psychosis following childbirth that at any other time in their lives
Women with PPP more likely to commit suicide or infanticide—MEDICAL EMERGENCY!
Currently thought of as a manifestation of bipolar disorder

Question 3

Postpartum Depression—Symptoms

Answer 3

Irritability and anger
Significant anxiety often w/ panic attacks
Feelings of inadequacy, and of being a failure as a mother
Feelings of guilt
Feelings of hopelessness or despair
Feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to care for the baby
Not bonding to the baby, which further exacerbates feelings of shame and guilt
Typical—insomnia, weight changes, decreased libido, decreased energy levels***

Question 4

Postpartum Depression Rule out medical cause:

Answer 4

Anemia
Diabetes
Thyroid Disorders

Question 5

Average duration of Post Partum blues, Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis

Answer 5

Post Partum blues 2-3 days, resolves within 10 days
Postpartum Depression 2 weeks to 12 months
Postpartum Psychosis variable (typically 4-6 weeks)