Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a period of depression following the birth of a new child. These depressive symptoms include mood swings, feelings of guilt and shame surrounding parenthood, and disillusion with the mothering role. Recent research indicates these symptoms often occur during pregnancy so that it is often now referred to as maternal mental illness. Postpartum depression is not listed as a separate disorder in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but according to the DSM-5, between 3% and 6% of women experience the onset of a major depressive episode during pregnancy or in the subsequent weeks or months. About half of these cases begin during pregnancy, according to the DSM-5.

Symptoms of postpartum depression may last for a period ...