Postpartum Depression Definition Psychology
Postpartum depression isn t a character flaw or a weakness.
Postpartum depression definition psychology. Psychology definition of postpartum depression. It can occur a few days weeks or even months after childbirth. The birth of babies brings utter excitement bliss and joy. The mildest and most common form of postpartum depression is known as the baby blues.
Yet nearly 60 percent of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression ppd. This disorder can be mild or severe and its symptoms. Rarely an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after childbirth. A form of severe depression after delivery that interferes with daily functioning and requires treatment.
But some new moms experience a more severe long lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. Like all types of depression this is not the result of a character flaw weakness or anything the mom. It carries risks for the mother and child. Symptoms may include extreme sadness low energy anxiety crying episodes irritability and changes in sleeping or eating patterns.
Call a friend or family member for help if you need to. Sometimes it s simply a complication of giving birth. A major depressive event or less typically minor depressive disorder which impacts women within four weeks following the birth of a child. A woman with postpartum depression may have feelings of sadness despair anxiety and irritability to a severe degree.
Postpartum depression is not your fault it is a real but treatable psychological disorder. Postpartum depression ppd also called postnatal depression is a type of mood disorder associated with childbirth which can affect both sexes. Postpartum depression is a serious debilitating illness that mothers have no control over. Women can also experience depression during pregnancy.
Other types of depression include postpartum depression psychotic depression and seasonal affective disorder each of which develops under specific circumstances. If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby take action now. Persistent depressive disorder involves symptoms that last two or more years sometimes marked by episodes of major depression. Call a suicide hotline free staffed all day every day.