Postpartum Depression Definition Psychology

But some new moms experience a more severe long lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression definition psychology. Symptoms may include extreme sadness low energy anxiety crying episodes irritability and changes in sleeping or eating patterns. A woman with postpartum depression may have feelings of sadness despair anxiety and irritability to a severe degree. Postpartum depression is a serious debilitating illness that mothers have no control over. It can occur a few days weeks or even months after childbirth.

Other types of depression include postpartum depression psychotic depression and seasonal affective disorder each of which develops under specific circumstances. Rarely an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after childbirth. Persistent depressive disorder involves symptoms that last two or more years sometimes marked by episodes of major depression. Women can also experience depression during pregnancy.

A major depressive event or less typically minor depressive disorder which impacts women within four weeks following the birth of a child. Sometimes it s simply a complication of giving birth. Postpartum depression ppd also called postnatal depression is a type of mood disorder associated with childbirth which can affect both sexes. Symptoms arise spontaneously during the first 10 days after childbirth and tend to peak around three to five.

This disorder can be mild or severe and its symptoms. If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby take action now. Call a friend or family member for help if you need to. The mildest and most common form of postpartum depression is known as the baby blues.

Psychology definition of postpartum depression. A form of severe depression after delivery that interferes with daily functioning and requires treatment. Like all types of depression this is not the result of a character flaw weakness or anything the mom. Yet nearly 60 percent of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression ppd.

Postpartum depression is a serious but treatable medical illness involving feelings of extreme sadness indifference and or anxiety as well as changes in energy sleep and appetite. Postpartum depression is not your fault it is a real but treatable psychological disorder. Call a suicide hotline free staffed all day every day. It carries risks for the mother and child.