Symptoms of postpartum depression

Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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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
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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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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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.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

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 Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can postpartum depression have a second child?

Postpartum depression does not preclude having a second child, as most patients generally recover within a year after childbirth. However, there is a 50% chance of recurrence if one decides to have another child. Therefore, for such pregnant women, certain preparations should be made during pregnancy, such as educating them about childbirth and pregnancy knowledge. Once equipped with this knowledge, the expectant mothers can better manage their self-care. Additionally, during childbirth, it is essential to provide the patient with ample love and patience, especially for those who experience longer labor and greater psychological stress, requiring patient explanations of the childbirth process.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How long will the symptoms of postpartum depression get better?

The duration of symptoms for postpartum depression can vary from person to person, as each individual experiences different levels of symptoms. Postpartum depression most often occurs within six weeks after childbirth, and generally, symptoms may alleviate on their own within three to six months after giving birth. The onset of postpartum depression is primarily a stress response caused by physiological and psychological factors. With careful attention from family members and proper treatment, recovery is usually swift. However, in severe cases, recovery could take up to six months or even a year, and there is a possibility of relapse during subsequent pregnancies.