Can postpartum depression be inherited?

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

Updated on September 02, 2024

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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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Written by Yue Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

43sec

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What causes postpartum depression?

The causes of postpartum depression are still unclear, but the following people are prone to develop postpartum depression. Those who have had multiple children or have gone through numerous pregnancies before conceiving, as well as those with a poor reproductive history and teenage mothers, and mothers who had premature births. Additionally, individuals with pregnancy complications, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension or gestational diabetes, are also likely to develop postpartum depression. Moreover, family relationships play a significant role; those in discordant family relations or where the newborn's gender does not meet their expectations are also susceptible.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

39sec

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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

Obstetrics

41sec

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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.

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Written by Yue Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

41sec

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Symptoms of postpartum depression

The clinical manifestations of postpartum depression include patients feeling depressed, indifferent, and despondent about two weeks after giving birth. Additionally, patients may be reluctant to communicate with others, and might even avoid speaking to their spouses. Some mothers may also display a lack of confidence in life and family, decreased initiative, fatigue with life, slower reactions to things than usual, and reduced concentration. There is also a notable decrease in appetite, eating very little, and possibly experiencing symptoms like dizziness and headaches.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

53sec

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Can postpartum depression be cured?

Postpartum depression is curable. It is fundamentally a manifestation of reduced volitional activity, and most patients can be cured after a period of time. However, in everyday life, family support is needed, especially the psychological support from family members and husbands, which is very important. Postpartum depression is generally a self-limiting disease, but there are certain conditions for recovery. Patients with milder symptoms and shorter durations of illness generally have a better prognosis. Typically, it occurs within one month after childbirth, with symptoms becoming prominent within six months, and gradually diminishing after three to six months. However, one should not rely solely on self-healing and should actively seek treatment from professional medical practitioners.