Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) refers to depressive episodes that occur during the period following the birth of a child. PPD is one of the most common complications following childbirth. In addition to the distress and impairment experienced by women with PPD, it is associated with increased risk to other members of the family, especially the infant. This entry provides a review of the symptoms and diagnostic criteria for PPD, its prevalence, issues in screening, risk factors, and consequences. It concludes with an overview of the available interventions for PPD.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Like other depressive episodes, PPD is characterized by depressed mood or loss of interest, in addition to other related symptoms. Cognitive symptoms of PPD include feelings of worthlessness or excessive/inappropriate guilt, diminished ability to think/concentrate, ...

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