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ds by googlestress advice feel better with natural therapy relax local stress management hypnotherapyforyourhealthnn1 co uk stop the cause of snoring cures 98 of cases as seen in the times enjoy a good night s sleep www therasnore co uk diet patches 66lbs 8 90 unbelievable if you lose too fast just use 1 patch every other day www phytolabel com good news for diabetics let me tell you how i was able to overcome diabetes in only 3months ankanpouginseng com omega 3 for depression how omega 3 fish oil vegepa helps manage symptoms of depression igennus hn com health benefi chronic fatigue me test treat underlying causes of fatigue reduced immunity pain www breakspearmedical com barclaycard freedom earn rewardmoney at participating stores 16 9 apr typ var terms apply www barclaycard co uk freedom ads by googledehydrated one of the biggest causes is lack of easy access to fluids sorted www hydrateforhealth co uk go away panic attacks i suffered from anxiety nothing worked until i tried this 1 secret www cure anxiety attacks com ads by googlelabour stages read expert advice about the stages of labour and giving birth www gurgle com labour birth why have you got roseacea it s not what you think think again www essentially yours co uk leigh hypnotherapy essex anxiety anger weight loss phobia call now free initial consultation www leighhypnotherapy co uk bedfords hair loss clinic top treatments for hair loss in men and women www haircarestudio co uk freelance writing jobs today s articles sign in articles writers browse sections home health wellness pregnancy childbirth causes of postpartum depression what we know about possible causes for postpartum depression postpartum mood disorders jan 21 2007 brenda lane what causes ppd kavitha shivan many experts believe that the causes of postpartum depression postpartum mood disorders are related to hormones yet that is clearly only part of the story even though some postpartum mood disorders occur to almost every woman a single cause is not known most of the research has centered around hormone changes yet these cannot account for incidences of postpartum mood disorders found even among mothers who adopt babies for example here are several possible causes for postpartum depression ppd hormone biologic causes it is very likely that at least part of the cause for ppd is related to hormones one study showed similarities between certain hormone levels of mothers during the postpartum period what is called hypothalamic pituitary adrenal or hpa levels and other women not in postpartum who suffer from chronic depression ads by googledehydrated one of the biggest causes is lack of easy access to fluids sorted www hydrateforhealth co uk go away panic attacks i suffered from anxiety nothing worked until i tried this 1 secret www cure anxiety attacks com another recent study suggests that one possible cause may be the drop in insulin that mothers experience in the postpartum period the drop in insulin reduces the level of serotonin in the brain which is well known for its ability to affect mood disorders marital self esteem causes marital dissatisfaction is not only a risk factor but may also be a cause for ppd mothers who are closer to their spouses partners are less likely to develop ppd some research shows that receiving a daily massage from their partner dramatically reduced the incidence of ppd for some mothers so clearly a poor marital relationship can play a role in ppd while a good marital relationship appears to reduce ppd symptoms health fatigue causes there is some evidence that postpartum mood disorders may be directly related to the fatigue women experience one study jogynn 2005 showed that the level of fatigue mothers reported at two weeks postpartum was the best predictor of later postpartum mood disorders at four weeks postpartum perhaps the lack of sleep adds to the mother s inability to care for herself and her baby sociocultural causes one of the ways that researchers discover possible causes is to study what works to treat women with ppd one study in 2006 indicated that when potentially at risk mothers who were disadvantaged received individual psychotherapy counseling it greatly reduced their chances of developing major ppd it is possible then that financial difficulties can be a contributor to ppd read on postpartum depression risk factors postpartum depression has several possible risk factors that expectant mothers should be aware of during pregnancy find out if you are at risk for postpartum depression there are likely many potential triggers or causes for ppd fortunately since so much media attention has centered around some of the tragedies resulting from ppd we are learning more and more about the causes symptoms prevention and treatment be sure to see the related article on causes of depression which may not be related to the postpartum period the complete series on ppd is listed below for your convenience part 1 risk factors for ppd part 2 symptoms of ppd part 3 ppd self test edinburgh scale part 4 causes of ppd above part 5 help for ppd have you suffered from prenatal or postpartum depression share your thoughts with us on the forum 2007 brenda lane share article recommend article what causes ppd kavitha shivan what causes ppd kavitha shivan what causes ppd kavitha shivan ads by googlelabour stages read expert advice about the stages of labour and giving birth www gurgle com labour birth why have you got roseacea it s not what you think think again www essentially yours co uk leigh hypnotherapy essex anxiety anger weight loss phobia call now free initial consultation www leighhypnotherapy co uk bedfords hair loss clinic top treatments for hair loss in men and women www haircarestudio co uk ads by googlestress advice feel better with natural therapy relax local stress management hypnotherapyforyourhealthnn1 co uk stop the cause of snoring cures 98 of cases as seen in the times enjoy a good night s sleep www therasnore co uk diet patches 66lbs 8 90 unbelievable if you lose too fast just use 1 patch every other day www phytolabel com good news for diabetics let me tell you how i was able to overcome diabetes in only 3months ankanpouginseng com omega 3 for depression how omega 3 fish oil vegepa helps manage symptoms of depression igennus hn com health benefi chronic fatigue me test treat underlying causes of fatigue reduced immunity pain www breakspearmedical com barclaycard freedom earn rewardmoney at participating stores 16 9 apr typ var terms apply www barclaycard co uk freedom related articles depression in the postpartum period struggling with postpartum depression overcoming postpartum depression postpartum depression risk factors is this postpartum depression baby blues and postpartum depression causes counseling reduces postpartum depression sleep is a natural postpartum depression cure more in pregnancy childbirth related topics birthing options childbirth labour delivery family planning 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reprinted with permission for personal or non profit use visit www helpguide org to see the article with links to related articles helpguide org all rights reserved this material is for information and support not a substitute for professional advice topics mental emotional healthemotional healthaddictionadd adhdanxietybipolar disorderdepressioneating disordersgrief lossschizophreniastresstrauma abusefamily relationshipsparenting familyrelationships helpchildhood challengeshealthy livingeating dietsleepmind bodywork careerseniors agingaging wellalzheimer s dementiacaregiving support email home newsletter about us supporters contact us www helpguide org reprinted with permission for personal or non profit use visit www helpguide org to see the article with links to related articles helpguide org all rights reserved this material is for information and support not a substitute for professional advice postpartum depression and the baby blues symptoms treatment and support for new moms having a baby is stressful no matter how much you ve looked forward to it or how much you love your child giving birth puts you through a physical and emotional wringer but your exhaustion has to take a backseat to the needs of your newborn considering the sleep deprivation new responsibilities and lack of time for yourself it s only natural that a lot of new moms feel like they re on an emotional rollercoaster the baby blues are perfectly normal but if your symptoms don t dissipate after a few weeks or they start getting worse you may be suffering from postpartum depression postpartum depression can interfere with your ability to take care of yourself and your newborn child but with treatment the support of your family and attention to your own needs you can get back on the road to healthy and happy motherhood learn about the signs and symptoms and how you can help yourself or your partner in this article the baby blues signs and symptoms of postpartum depression postpartum depression causes and risk factors how postpartum depression affects the baby treatment and help for postpartum depression coping with postpartum depression postpartum psychosis related links print authors text size the baby blues you ve just had a baby you expected to be basking in new mom bliss you expected to be celebrating the arrival of your little one with your friends and family but instead of celebrating you feel like crying you were prepared for joy and excitement not exhaustion anxiety and weepiness you may not have been expecting it but mild depression and mood swings are common in new mothers so common in fact that it has its own name the baby blues the vast majority of new mothers experience at least some symptoms moodiness sadness difficulty sleeping irritability appetite changes concentration problems symptoms of the baby blues typically show up within a few days of giving birth and last from several days to a couple of weeks the baby blues are a normal part of new motherhood probably caused by the hormonal changes that occur following birth if you have them there is no cause for undue worry the baby blues usually don t last very long and will go away on their own once your hormones level out aside from the support of your loved ones and plenty of rest no treatment is necessary however if your symptoms don t go away within two to three weeks or they are severe such as suicidal thoughts or an inability to care for your newborn you may be suffering from a more serious condition known as postpartum depression signs and symptoms of postpartum depression in the beginning postpartum depression can look like the normal baby blues in fact they share many symptoms including mood swings crying jags sadness insomnia and irritability however in postpartum depression these symptoms are either longer lasting or more severe anxiety is also more prominent in postpartum depression if you have postpartum depression you may worry to excess over your baby s health and well being in addition to obsessing over the safety of your newborn you may be troubled by intrusive thoughts about harming your baby signs and symptoms of postpartum depression lack of interest in your baby negative feelings towards your baby worrying about hurting your baby lack of concern for yourself loss of pleasure lack of energy and motivation feelings of worthlessness and guilt changes in appetite or weight sleeping more or less than usual recurrent thoughts of death or suicide postpartum depression usually sets in soon after childbirth and develops gradually over a period of several months but postpartum depression can also come on suddenly and in some women the first signs don t appear until months after they ve given birth because of the possibility of delayed onset if you have a depressive episode within six months of having a baby postpartum depression should be considered the edinburgh postnatal depression scale epds is a screening tool designed to detect postpartum depression fill it out for a more complete look at your emotional state if you believe you have postpartum depression it can be helpful to bring the completed form to your doctor or therapist postpartum depression causes and risk factors the exact reasons why some new mothers develop postpartum depression and others don t are unknown but a number of interrelated causes and risk factors are believed to contribute to the problem causes the rapid hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy and delivery may trigger depression after childbirth women experience a big drop in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels thyroid levels can also drop which leads to fatigue and depression these hormone dips along with the changes in blood pressure immune system functioning and metabolism that new mothers experience can all play a part in postpartum depression it has been theorized that women who are more sensitive to these hormone imbalances develop postpartum depression women who have just given birth are also dealing with numerous changes both physical and emotional they may still be coping with physical pain from the pregnancy and delivery they may also have difficulties losing the baby weight leading to insecurities about their physical and sexual attractiveness in addition to changes to their body they are also dealing with lifestyle changes the lifestyle adjustment can be particularly difficult for first time moms who must get used to an entirely new identity the stress of caring for a newborn can also take a toll new mothers are often sleep deprived in addition they may feel overwhelmed and anxious about their ability to properly care for their baby all of these factors can contribute to and trigger postpartum depression risk factors women with a previous history of depression are at an increased risk of experiencing postpartum depression your risk is also elevated if you have a history of severe pms or premenstrual dysphoric disorder if the pregnancy was unplanned or if you had postpartum depression following a previous pregnancy according to the national institute of mental health women with a prior history of postpartum depression have a 50 chance of recurrence stressful events during pregnancy or birth also increase the odds of developing postpartum depression stressful events might include a difficult delivery prenatal problems premature birth or illness during pregnancy finally research has shown that women with marital difficulties or a general lack of social support have a greater chance of developing postpartum depression if you ve recently given birth and have one or more of these risk factors it is especially important to be on the lookout for any signs or symptoms of postpartum depression how postpartum depression affects the baby postpartum depression can interfere with your ability to function including your ability to take care of yourself and your child if you have postpartum depression it doesn t mean that you re a bad mother however when you re consumed with symptoms of depression such as fatigue irritability apathy and tearfulness it is difficult if not impossible to properly look after your newborn s needs your baby will be affected if the depression is left untreated the impact of postpartum depression on children behavioral problems children of depressed mothers are more likely to develop behavioral problems down the line including sleep problems temper tantrums aggression and hyperactivity delays in cognitive development development is often delayed in babies and children who have depressed mothers they may learn to walk and talk later than other children they may also have many other learning difficulties including problems with school social problems children of depressed mothers have difficulty establishing secure relationships they may find it hard to make friends in school they may be socially withdrawn or they may act out in destructive ways emotional problems studies have show that children of depressed mothers have lower self esteem are more anxious and fearful are more passive and are less independent depression the risk of developing major depression early in life is particularly high for the children of mothers with postpartum depression if you re suffering from postpartum depression there is no reason to feel guilty or ashamed the symptoms of postpartum depression are outside your control and they don t make you a bad person or a bad parent however the choice to get treatment is in your control considering the impact depression has on both you and your child it s important to seek help right away postpartum depression and attachment video creating secure infant attachment research has shown that depressed mothers interact less with their babies women with postpartum depression are less likely to breastfeed play with and read to their children they may also be inconsistent in the way they care for their newborns depressed mothers can be loving and attentive at times but at other times they may react negatively or they may not respond at all this inconsistency disrupts the bonding process between mother and child this emotional bonding process known as attachment is the most important task of infancy a secure attachment is formed when the mother responds warmly and consistently to her baby s physical and emotional needs when the baby cries the mother quickly soothes him or her if the baby laughs or smiles the mother responds in kind in essence the mother and child are in synch they recognize and respond to each other s signals but a depressed mother is less likely to pick up on and respond to her baby s cues this sets the stage for an insecure attachment a child who is insecurely attached is at risk for multiple developmental difficulties and delays including behavioral emotional and social problems to learn more about attachment and its impact see parenting attachment bonding and reactive attachment disorder treatment and help for postpartum depression if you have postpartum depression you should seek professional treatment left untreated postpartum depression can last for a significant length of time even up to a year or more postpartum depression responds to the same types of treatment as regular depression therapy medication and support groups can all be helpful psychotherapy individual therapy or group therapy can be very effective in the treatment of postpartum depression psychotherapy is often the treatment of choice because of concerns over taking medication while breastfeeding interpersonal therapy ipt which focuses on interpersonal relationships and issues is believed to be particularly effective for postpartum depression hormone therapy estrogen replacement therapy sometimes helps with postpartum depression estrogen is often used in combination with an antidepressant there are risks that go along with hormone therapy so be sure to talk to your doctor about what is best and safest for you marriage counseling if you are experiencing martial difficulties or are feeling unsupported at home marriage counseling could be very beneficial antidepressants for severe cases of postpartum depression where the mother is unable to care for herself or her baby antidepressants may be an option however medication use should be accompanied by therapy as well as close monitoring by a physician to learn more see antidepressants understanding depression medication taking antidepressants while breastfeeding if you re considering the use of antidepressants it s important to know that your medication can be passed to your baby through your breast milk research suggests that in the case of tricyclic antidepressants and ssris the levels of medication that reach the baby through breastfeeding are either low or undetectable however there have been rare reports of adverse reactions in nursing infants furthermore the long term effects of exposure even to trace amounts of the medication are unknown coping with postpartum depression the best thing you can do if you have postpartum depression is to take care of yourself be sure to get enough rest get out in the sunshine each day and eat a healthy diet set aside quality time for yourself to relax and take a break from your mom duties self help for postpartum depression find someone you can talk to about your feelings find people who can help you with child care housework and errands so you can get some much needed rest make time for yourself every day even if it s only for 15 minutes do something relaxing or that makes you feel good about yourself keep a daily diary of your emotions and thoughts this is a good way to let everything out and to keep track of your progress as you begin to feel better give yourself credit for the things you re able to accomplish even if you only get one thing done in a day if you aren t able to get anything done don t be hard on yourself give yourself permission to feel overwhelmed remember that no one expects you to be supermom be honest about how much you can do and ask others for help join a support group source american academy of family physicians it s also important to stay connected to family and friends don t keep your feelings to yourself share them with your significant other or a close friend let your loved ones know what you need and how you d like to be supported helping a loved one with postpartum depression if your loved one is experiencing postpartum depression the best thing you can do is to offer support give her a break from her childcare duties provide a listening ear and be patient and understanding you also need to take care of yourself dealing with the needs of a new baby is hard for fathers as well as mothers and if your significant other is depressed you are dealing with two major stressors postpartum psychosis postpartum psychosis is a rare but extremely serious disorder that can develop after childbirth it is characterized by loss of contact with reality postpartum psychosis should be considered a medical emergency because of the high risk for suicide or infanticide hospitalization is usually required to keep the mother and the baby safe postpartum psychosis develops suddenly usually within the first two weeks after delivery and sometimes within 48 hours symptoms include hallucinations seeing things that aren t real or hearing voices delusions paranoid and irrational beliefs extreme agitation and anxiety confusion and disorientation rapid mood swings bizarre behavior inability or refusal to eat or sleep suicidal thoughts or actions thoughts of harming or killing the baby early warning signs of postpartum psychosis include an inability to sleep for several nights agitation euphoria or irritability and avoidance of the baby women with a history of bipolar disorder are at an increased risk of developing postpartum psychosis in fact postpartum psychosis resembles a manic episode women who have previously had postpartum psychosis are also highly likely to develop it again if they have another child parenting attachment advice for bonding with your baby helping a depressed person taking care of yourself while supporting a loved one more helpguide articles dealing with depression self help and coping tips depression treatment therapy medication and lifestyle changes that can help feeling suicidal coping with suicidal thoughts and help to get you through related links general information about postpartum depression depression during and after pregnancy article discusses depression during pregnancy and after childbirth including possible causes the national women s health information center more than the baby blues learn about postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis including the signs symptoms and causes healthyplace treatment and help for postpartum depression postpartum major depression detection and treatment take a comprehensive look at the treatment options and considerations for postpartum depression american academy of family physicians antidepressants and breastfeeding provides an overview of the benefits and potential risks of breastfeeding while on medication healthyplace support for postpartum depression the online ppd support group online discussion forum for women suffering from postpartum depression ppd support page information for fathers postpartum depression hits dads too read about new research showing that almost as many new fathers as mothers suffer from postpartum depression the national women s health information center postpartum dads guide to getting through a partner s postpartum depression includes advice on dealing with rejection from your partner and tips for staying healthy and together postpartumdads postpartum psychosis one mother s story postpartum psychosis a personal look at postpartum psychosis including the signs and symptoms national public radio about postpartum psychosis introduction to postpartum psychosis includes information about legislation and one woman s story melanie s battle melinda smith m a wrote this article with contributions by jeanne segal ph d last reviewed may 2010 2001 2007 all rights reserved this site is for information and support not a substitute for professional advice print back to top about us contact newsletter memorials reprints permissions terms of use site map about rotary 2001 2010 all rights reserved this site is for information and support only and not a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment more postpartum depression article font size a a a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 glossary next page postpartum depression depression tips slideshow myths about depression quiz depression what is it postpartum depression overview postpartum depression causes postpartum depression symptoms when to seek medical care exams and tests postpartum depression treatment self care at home medical treatment medications other therapy next steps follow up prevention outlook support groups and counseling for more information web links synonyms and keywords authors and editors postpartum depression overview you ve just had a baby one of the most important and happiest events in your life what could make a woman happier than a new baby you wonder so why are you so sad we don t know for sure but you are not alone as many as 80 of women experience some mood disturbances after pregnancy postpartum they feel upset alone afraid or unloving toward their baby and guilt for having these feelings for most women the symptoms are mild and go away on their own but 10 20 of women develop a more disabling form of mood disorder called postpartum depression the baby blues are a passing state of heightened emotions that occurs in about half of women who have recently given birth this state peaks 3 5 days after delivery and lasts from several days to 2 weeks a woman with the blues may cry more easily than usual and may have trouble sleeping or feel irritable sad and on edge emotionally because baby blues are so common and expected they are not considered an illness postpartum blues do not interfere with a woman s ability to care for her baby the tendency to develop postpartum blues is unrelated to a previous mental illness and is not caused by stress however stress and a history of depression may influence whether the blues go on to become major depression postpartum depression is depression that occurs soon after having a baby some health professionals call it postpartum nonpsychotic depression this condition occurs in about 10 20 of women usually within a few months of delivery risk factors include previous major depression psychosocial stress inadequate social support and previous premenstrual dysphoric disorder see premenstrual syndrome for more information symptoms include depressed mood tearfulness inability to enjoy pleasurable activities trouble sleeping fatigue appetite problems suicidal thoughts feelings of inadequacy as a parent and impaired concentration if you experience postpartum depression you may worry about the baby s health and well being you may have negative thoughts about the baby and fears about harming the infant although women who have these thoughts rarely act on them postpartum depression interferes with a woman s ability to care for her baby when a woman with severe postpartum depression becomes suicidal she may consider killing her infant and young children not from anger but from a desire not to abandon them postpartum puerperal psychosis is the most serious postpartum disorder it requires immediate treatment this condition is rare a woman with this condition experiences psychotic symptoms within 3 weeks of giving birth these include false beliefs delusions hallucinations seeing or hearing things that are not there or both this condition is associated with mood disorders such as depression bipolar disorder or psychosis symptoms can include inability to sleep agitation and mood swings a woman experiencing psychosis can appear well temporarily fooling health professionals and caregivers into thinking that she has recovered but she can continue to be severely depressed and ill even after brief periods of seeming well women who harbor thoughts of hurting their infants are more likely to act on them if they have postpartum psychosis if untreated postpartum psychotic depression has a high likelihood of coming back after the postpartum period and also after the birth of other children postpartum depression causes no specific cause of postpartum depression has been found hormone imbalance is thought to play a role levels of the hormones estrogen progesterone and cortisol fall dramatically within 48 hours after delivery women who go on to develop postpartum depression may be more sensitive to these hormonal changes other known risk factors mental illness before pregnancy mental illness including postpartum depression in the family postpartum mental disorder after an earlier pregnancy conflict in the marriage loss of employment or poor social support from friends and family pregnancy loss such as miscarriage or stillbirth the risk of major depression after miscarriage is high for women who are childless it occurs even in women who were unhappy about being pregnant the risk for developing depression after miscarriage is highest within the first few months after the loss childbirth is a time of great change for a woman the adjustment to these changes can contribute to depression physical changes after delivery many changes occur after delivery including changes in muscle tone and difficulty losing weight many new mothers are very tired after giving birth and in the weeks afterwards soreness and pain in your perineal area area around the birth canal makes many women uncomfortable physical recovery after cesarean delivery may take even longer than after vaginal delivery changes in hormones can affect mood common emotional changes after delivery feelings of loss of an old identity feeling trapped at home feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities of motherhood feeling stress from changes in routine feeling fatigue because of broken sleep patterns feeling less attractive physically and sexually a mother s age and the number of children she has had do not relate to her likelihood of getting postpartum depression 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 glossary next page next postpartum depression symptoms share more depression learn about the symptoms is it depression understanding a serious medical condition depression symptoms to discuss with your doctor treating depression it s different for different people privacy policy emotional wellness get tips on therapy and treatment from webmd featured centers smile fixes whitening dentures and more baby sleep problems 10 dos and don ts 12 tips to stay awake naturally health solutions from our sponsors depression med for you fibromyalgia center ms rx options postpartum depression sleep disorders in women sleep disorders in women overview women are twice as likely as men to have difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep younger women have sounder sleep with fewer disturbances some women however are prone to sleep problems throughout their reproductive years only recently has the medical community focused on women s sleep disorders a number of factors may affect women s sleep changes in hormonal levels stress illness lifestyle and sleep environment may impact sleep pregnancy and menstrual related hormonal fluctuations may affect sleep patterns mood and reaction to stress many women have premenstrual sleep disturbances difficulty falling asleep nighttime waking difficulty waking up and daytime sleepiness all are linked to premenstrual changes insomnia sleeplessness is one of the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome pms psychosocial stress may threaten sleep more than read the sleep disorders in women article read what your physician is reading on emedicine postpartum depression during the postpartum period up to 85 of women experience some type of mood disturbance read more on emedicine featured topics causes of fatigue slideshow quiz is it depression fibro friendly exercises slideshow quiz sleep and crazy hours on the job depression tips slideshow topics related to postpartum depression antidepressants cluster headache cluster headache faqs depression headache mild panic attacks pregnancy ssris and depression worst headache of your life medical dictionary or a z list first aid emergencies topics a z picture slideshows medications image gallery etools medical dictionary definitions about us privacy terms of use advertising policy site map contact us emedicine webmd medscape medicinenet rxlist this site complies to the honcode standard for trustworthy health information verify here 2010 webmd inc all rights reserved emedicinehealth does not provide medical advice diagnosis or treatment see additional information july 15 2010 webmd and boots have partnered to create a health and wellness site for the uk audience visit now skip navigation skip left navigation frequently asked questions home topic list a z list en español womenshealth gov home frequently asked questions e mail this page to a friend depression during and after pregnancy frequently asked questions give us feedback on this information printer friendly version pdf file 260 kb what is depression how common is depression during and after pregnancy how do i know if i have depression what causes depression what about postpartum depression are some women more at risk for depression during and after pregnancy what is the difference between baby blues postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis what should i do if i have symptoms of depression during or after pregnancy how is depression treated what can happen if depression is not treated for more information see also depression return to top what is depression depression is more than just feeling blue or down in the dumps for a few days it s a serious illness that involves the brain with depression sad anxious or empty feelings don t go away and interfere with day to day life and routines these feelings can be mild to severe the good news is that most people with depression get better with treatment return to top how common is depression during and after pregnancy depression is a common problem during and after pregnancy about 13 percent of pregnant women and new mothers have depression return to top how do i know if i have depression when you are pregnant or after you have a baby you may be depressed and not know it some normal changes during and after pregnancy can cause symptoms similar to those of depression but if you have any of the following symptoms of depression for more than 2 weeks call your doctor feeling restless or moody feeling sad hopeless and overwhelmed crying a lot having no energy or motivation eating too little or too much sleeping too little or too much having trouble focusing or making decisions having memory problems feeling worthless and guilty losing interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy withdrawing from friends and family having headaches aches and pains or stomach problems that don t go away your doctor can figure out if your symptoms are caused by depression or something else return to top what causes depression what about postpartum depression there is no single cause rather depression likely results from a combination of factors depression is a mental illness that tends to run in families women with a family history of depression are more likely to have depression changes in brain chemistry or structure are believed to play a big role in depression stressful life events such as death of a loved one caring for an aging family member abuse and poverty can trigger depression hormonal factors unique to women may contribute to depression in some women we know that hormones directly affect the brain chemistry that controls emotions and mood we also know that women are at greater risk of depression at certain times in their lives such as puberty during and after pregnancy and during perimenopause some women also have depressive symptoms right before their period depression after childbirth is called postpartum depression hormonal changes may trigger symptoms of postpartum depression when you are pregnant levels of the female hormones estrogen ess truh jen and progesterone proh jess tur ohn increase greatly in the first 24 hours after childbirth hormone levels quickly return to normal researchers think the big change in hormone levels may lead to depression this is much like the way smaller hormone changes can affect a woman s moods before she gets her period levels of thyroid hormones may also drop after giving birth the thyroid is a small gland in the neck that helps regulate how your body uses and stores energy from food low levels of thyroid hormones can cause symptoms of depression a simple blood test can tell if this condition is causing your symptoms if so your doctor can prescribe thyroid medicine other factors may play a role in postpartum depression you may feel tired after delivery tired from a lack of sleep or broken sleep overwhelmed with a new baby doubts about your ability to be a good mother stress from changes in work and home routines an unrealistic need to be a perfect mom loss of who you were before having the baby less attractive a lack of free time return to top are some women more at risk for depression during and after pregnancy certain factors may increase your risk of depression during and after pregnancy a personal history of depression or another mental illness a family history of depression or another mental illness a lack of support from family and friends anxiety or negative feelings about the pregnancy problems with a previous pregnancy or birth marriage or money problems stressful life events young age substance abuse women who are depressed during pregnancy have a greater risk of depression after giving birth if you take medicine for depression stopping your medicine when you become pregnant can cause your depression to come back do not stop any prescribed medicines without first talking to your doctor not using medicine that you need may be harmful to you or your baby return to top what is the difference between baby blues postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis many women have the baby blues in the days after childbirth if you have the baby blues you may have mood swings feel sad anxious or overwhelmed have crying spells lose your appetite have trouble sleeping the baby blues most often go away within a few days or a week the symptoms are not severe and do not need treatment the symptoms of postpartum depression last longer and are more severe postpartum depression can begin anytime within the first year after childbirth if you have postpartum depression you may have any of the symptoms of depression listed above symptoms may also include thoughts of hurting the baby thoughts of hurting yourself not having any interest in the baby postpartum depression needs to be treated by a doctor postpartum psychosis seye koh suhss is rare it occurs in about 1 to 4 out of every 1 000 births it usually begins in the first 2 weeks after childbirth women who have bipolar disorder or another mental health problem called schizoaffective skit soh uh fek tiv disorder have a higher risk for postpartum psychosis symptoms may include seeing things that aren t there feeling confused having rapid mood swings trying to hurt yourself or your baby return to top what should i do if i have symptoms of depression during or after pregnancy call your doctor if your baby blues don t go away after 2 weeks symptoms of depression get more and more intense symptoms of depression begin any time after delivery even many months later it is hard for you to perform tasks at work or at home you cannot care for yourself or your baby you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby your doctor can ask you questions to test for depression your doctor can also refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in treating depression some women don t tell anyone about their symptoms they feel embarrassed ashamed or guilty about feeling depressed when they are supposed to be happy they worry they will be viewed as unfit parents any woman may become depressed during pregnancy or after having a baby it doesn t mean you are a bad or not together mom you and your baby don t have to suffer there is help here are some other helpful tips rest as much as you can sleep when the baby is sleeping don t try to do too much or try to be perfect ask your partner family and friends for help make time to go out visit friends or spend time alone with your partner discuss your feelings with your partner family and friends talk with other mothers so you can learn from their experiences join a support group ask your doctor about groups in your area don t make any major life changes during pregnancy or right after giving birth major changes can cause unneeded stress sometimes big changes can t be avoided when that happens try to arrange support and help in your new situation ahead of time return to top how is depression treated the two common types of treatment for depression are talk therapy this involves talking to a therapist psychologist or social worker to learn to change how depression makes you think feel and act medicine your doctor can prescribe an antidepressant medicine these medicines can help relieve symptoms of depression these treatment methods can be used alone or together if you are depressed your depression can affect your baby getting treatment is important for you and your baby talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking medicine to treat depression when you are pregnant or breastfeeding return to top what can happen if depression is not treated untreated depression can hurt you and your baby some women with depression have a hard time caring for themselves during pregnancy they may eat poorly not gain enough weight have trouble sleeping miss prenatal visits not follow medical instructions use harmful substances like tobacco alcohol or illegal drugs depression during pregnancy can raise the risk of problems during pregnancy or delivery having a low birth weight baby premature birth untreated postpartum depression can affect your ability to parent you may lack energy have trouble focusing feel moody not be able to meet your child s needs as a result you may feel guilty and lose confidence in yourself as a mother these feelings can make your depression worse researchers believe postpartum depression in a mother can affect her baby it can cause the baby to have delays in language development problems with mother child bonding behavior problems increased crying it helps if your partner or another caregiver can help meet the baby s needs while you are depressed all children deserve the chance to have a healthy mom and all moms deserve the chance to enjoy their life and their children if you are feeling depressed during pregnancy or after having a baby don t suffer alone please tell a loved one and call your doctor right away return to top for more information for more information on depression during and after pregnancy call womenshealth gov at 1 800 994 9662 or contact the following organizations national institute of mental health nih hhs phone 301 496 9576 internet address http www nimh nih gov national mental health information center samhsa hhs phone 800 789 2647 internet address http www mentalhealth org american psychological association phone 800 374 2721 internet address http www apa org national mental health association phone 800 969 nmha internet address http www nmha org postpartum education for parents phone 805 564 3888 internet address http www sbpep org postpartum support international phone 800 944 4ppd 800 944 4773 internet address http www postpartum net all material contained in this faq is free of copyright restrictions and may be copied reproduced or duplicated without permission of the office on women s health in the department of health and human services citation of the source is appreciated return to top give us feedback on this information content last updated march 6 2009 skip navigation this site is owned and maintained by the office on women s health in the u s department of health and human services you may need to download a free pdf reader to view files marked with this icon home contact us health topics tools organizations publications statistics news campaigns funding opportunities for the media for health professionals for spanish speakers recursos en español about us disclaimer freedom of information act requests accessibility privacy targetwoman portal for women postpartum depression targetwoman is a directory portal dedicated to women articles of lasting value from hair styles to liposuction from working women to fashion jewellery and a handpicked listing of sites of importance to women search from our articles read this page later book mark this page print this page send this to your friend browse by topic social bookmark with the arrival of your baby you have every reason to be happy and delighted at the same time you could also be experiencing an unexplainable sense of sadness loss of appetite and concentration just after childbirth all this could just mean that you are going through postpartum depression postpartum depression can run in families and is commonly recognized as a state of temporary depression experienced by a woman after childbirth learn to recognize the symptoms of postpartum depression and the various treatment options postpartum depression statistics point out that one of 10 childbearing women experience postpartum depression depression is most likely to occur in women during the primary reproductive years 25 45 women are twice as likely as men to experience depression often people confuse baby blues with postpartum depression baby blues subside as hormone levels stabilize within a couple of childbirth symptoms of baby blues may not require treatment and can be handled with good rest combined with moral support from family friends and support groups postpartum persists much longer after childbirth and often requires treatment of symptoms postpartum depression is an illness whose symptoms are not any different from other forms of depression but postpartum depression happens only after delivery or childbirth symptoms of postpartum depression postpartum depression can begin any time after delivery and last upto a year arrival of a newborn means a lot to the family in particular the mother caring for the newborn is stressful and it is common for mothers to feel over anxious tensed and exhausted but if a mother feels less motivated to care for the child loses appetite and concentration that persists for many days she needs help medical examination of these changes in attitude is undertaken to determine if she is going through postpartum depression if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks after childbirth it is recognized as postpartum depression sadness inability to sleep loss of appetite weight loss loss of energy or motivation feeling worthless or guilty lack of interest wanting to cry inability to concentrate feeling restless or irritable thoughts or ideas about suicide worrying about hurting the newborn having headaches chest pains heart palpitations and hyperventilation causes of postpartum depression while research activities continue to evaluate the exact reasons for postpartum depression it is commonly associated with changes in body mind and lifestyle adjustments physical changes levels of hormones estrogen and progesterone drop sharply just after childbirth and can trigger depression hormones produced by thyroid gland may drop rapidly resulting in fatigue sluggish feeling and depression changes in body metabolism blood pressure amount of blood in body after childbirth does negatively affect mental state of woman emotional reasons an unsatisfied birth experience like spouse not present during child delivery medical complications that make it difficult to care for baby anxiety to be a super mother a sense of losing body image unable to accept responsibilities of motherhood lifestyle adjustments meeting requirements for newborn including the financial aspect absence of support from spouse family resulting in self reliance having very less free time and broken sleep patterns body pain or delivery complications that restrict movements problems with breast feeding modifications in sexual relationship with partner susceptibility to postpartum depression there is no particular age or other specification for onset of postpartum depression it affects women of all ages and races it is not restricted to delivery of first child or subsequent ones it can develop after birth of any child and the chances for recurrence is equal postpartum depression is more likely in any of the following circumstances history of depression in the family previous postpartum depression experience severe premenstrual syndrome pms absence of adequate care and co operation from spouse had a psychiatric illness earlier occurrence of a stressful event during pregnancy or after childbirth a mother with severe depression may not care as much for the baby if she were completely well she may not breastfeed or cultivate an emotional bond with her newborn postpartum depression can hamper the infant s growth and development and lead to behavioral and sleep problems as well as lower activity levels prevent postpartum depression early detection and acknowledgement of change in attitude and feelings is vital in the prevention and treatment of postpartum depression being aware about ppd in family consulting a physician to assess risk factors recording changes in attitude for self assessment seeking support without delay or hesitation getting plenty of help after delivery planning of house and work activities to accommodate changes spending special time with spouse or dear ones postpartum depression treatment strong emotional social and physical support combined with counseling talk therapy and medicines facilitate a woman s recovery from postpartum depression as postpartum depression is temporary and occurs only after childbirth it is easier to deal with related changes in women if the symptoms persist and do not lessen even after few weeks of delivery it is advisable to seek medical attention medical experts begin screening and diagnosis by reviewing the signs and symptoms a blood test to determine thyroid levels is also undertaken the type of treatment will depend on the severity of depression treatment options include using one or a combination of the following medication antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ssris are used to successfully treat postpartum depression they increase the availability of neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain that is required to balance hormonal changes these medications have fewer side effects with little risk to the baby however the long term effect on the baby is still being researched it is recommended to weigh the potential risks and benefits of using anti depressant medication and proceed with treatment options psychotherapy consulting a psychologist psychiatrist or other mental health professionals can also help treat a specific issue as the woman talks to a therapist psychologist or social worker she can learn to modify the way she thinks feels and behaves a one to one consultation with open communication is an effective treatment for postpartum depression social support women with ppd can take help from support group like community services or parenting education to talk and share with other women who are going through the same experience every woman can initiate the process of recovery with these self care tips get enough sleep eat nutritious food and follow an exercise regimen do not overwork go on a small outing spend time with your partner and share your thoughts be part of a support group to learn and share experiences be realistic if you are a new mother do not hide your feelings from family and friends seek help and get fit to meet the demands of motherhood give your little one all the affection he needs targetwoman portal for women a treasure trove of information on women more on women health issues general women health women health issues women health key to understanding your health irritable bowel syndrome watch what you eat healthy eating habits eat right feel good colon cleansing getting rid of toxins women and substance abuse reclaim joys of life water retention causes excess fluids in body improving blood circulation maintaining blood flow shortness of breath not getting enough air feminine hygiene personal care nail fungus brittleness crumbling discoloration postpartum depression care for a new mom hemorrhoids swollen veins 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written permission all rights reserved last modified date july 14 2010 23 21 35 page created on jan 26 2006 diseases and conditions symptoms drugs and supplements tests and procedures healthy lifestyle first aid home diseases and conditions postpartum depression basics causes postpartum depression basics in depth multimedia expert answers expert blog resources what s new definition symptoms causes risk factors complications preparing for your appointment tests and diagnosis treatments and drugs lifestyle and home remedies prevention coping and support mayo clinic health manager get free personalized health guidance for you and your family get started free e newsletters subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics about our newsletters housecall alzheimer s caregiving living with cancer close window about our e newsletters free e newsletters mayo clinic expertise we do not share your e mail address housecall our weekly general interest e newsletter keeps you up to date on a 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changes in your blood volume blood pressure immune system and metabolism can be further stresses that contribute to fatigue and mood swings emotional factors when you re sleep deprived and overwhelmed you may have trouble handling even minor problems you may be anxious about your ability to care for a newborn you may feel less attractive or struggle with your sense of identity you may feel that you ve lost control over your life any of these factors can contribute to postpartum depression lifestyle influences many lifestyle factors can lead to postpartum depression including a demanding baby or older siblings difficulty breast feeding exhaustion financial problems and lack of support from your partner or other loved ones in addition some women may be genetically more vulnerable than others to postpartum depression however it s not clear whether hereditary factors that increase a woman s risk of postpartum depression are different from those that increase her risk of depression overall risk factors symptoms see also hand scheduled section focus vitamin b 12 and depression are they related marijuana and depression what s the link caffeine and depression is there a link related links related guides children parent depression major depression references pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system prams prams and postpartum depression centers for disease control and prevention http www cdc gov prams ppd htm accessed march 10 2010 depression during and after pregnancy national institutes of health http www womenshealth gov faq depression pregnancy cfm accessed march 10 2010 pearlstein t et al postpartum depression american journal of obstetrics gynecology 2009 4 357 lusskin si et al postpartum blues and depression http www uptodate com home index html accessed march 10 2010 wisner kl et al psychiatric disorders in gabbe sg et al obstetrics normal and problem pregnancies 5th ed churchill livingstone maryland heights mo 2007 http www mdconsult com das book body 187831438 3 0 1528 496 html 4 u1 0 b978 0 443 06930 7 50052 9 cesec15 2201 accessed march 10 2010 depression national institutes of mental health http www nimh nih gov health publications depression complete index shtml accessed march 10 2010 mischoulon d update and critique of natural remedies as antidepressant treatments obstetric and gynecologic clinics of north america 2009 36 789 shyn si et al the genetics of major depression moving beyond the monoamine hypothesis psychiatric clinics of north america 2010 33 125 major depressive episode in diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders dsm iv tr 4th ed arlington va american psychiatric association 2000 http www psychiatryonline com accessed march 10 2010 harms rw expert opinion mayo clinic rochester minn april 7 2010 ds00546 june 3 2010 1998 2010 mayo foundation for medical education and research mfmer all rights reserved a single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only mayo mayo clinic mayoclinic 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depression exploring causes for postpartum depression by rick nauert phd senior news editor reviewed by john m grohol psy d on may 5 2010 a new study suggests a possible physical cause for postpartum depression researchers at the centre for addiction and mental health used an advanced brain imaging method to determine that a brain protein called monoamine oxidase a mao a was significantly elevated in healthy women after delivery they discovered mao a levels were 43 percent greater four to six days after delivery and were strongest on day 5 the day when postpartum blues is usually the most severe mao a removes chemicals like serotonin that help maintain a normal mood greater mao a levels mean that this removal process is overly active making people feel sad understanding the biology of postpartum blues is important because when it is severe it leads to clinical level postpartum depression the most common complication of childbearing affecting 13 percent of mothers and one that can have a devastating impact we hope this information may be used in the future to create dietary supplements that could provide the nutrients removed by high mao a and lower the risk for postpartum depression according to dr jeffrey meyer principal investigator for the study the brain imaging technique is called positron emission tomography pet vice president of research dr bruce pollock explains camh has the only pet centre in the world dedicated solely to mental health and addiction research as a result we were able to apply this high level technology to better understand postpartum depression an important research direction in mood disorders the study is found in the archives of general psychiatry source centre for addiction and mental health 27tweetstop5kretweet share facebook del icio us reddit stumbleupon buzz up related news articles new moms need depression screenspostpartum depression tied to sleeppaternal postpartum depressionpostpartum depression compounds poor sleep cyclemechanism 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a complication of other conditions other conditions that might have postpartum depression as a complication may potentially be an underlying cause of postpartum depression our database lists the following as having postpartum depression as a complication of that condition pregnancy medical news summaries relating to postpartum depression the following medical news items are relevant to causes of postpartum depression certain factors can increase the risk of postpartum depression chinese women kills son after suffering from postpartum psychosis depression and anxiety following birth may be reduced by iron supplementation fatty acids benefit mother and child postnatal depression and colic related information on causes of postpartum depression as with all medical conditions there may be many causal factors further relevant information on causes of postpartum depression may be found in risk factors for postpartum depression hidden causes of postpartum depression causes of postpartum depression online medical books 16 medical books online review excerpts from medical books online free without registration for more information about the causes of postpartum depression depression medical causes handbook of signs symptoms third edition organic disorders various organic disorders and chronic illnesses produce mild moderate or severe depression among these are metabolic and endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism and diabetes infectious diseases such as influenza hepatitis and encephalitis degenerative diseases such as alzheimer s disease multiple sclerosis and multi infarct dementia and neoplastic disorderssuch as cancer psychiatric disorders affective disordersare typically characterized by abrupt mood swings from depression to elation mania or by prolonged episodes of either mood in fact severe depression may last for weeks more moderate depression occurs in cyclothymic disordersand usually alternates with moderate mania moderate depression that s more or less constant over a 2 year period typically results from dysthymic disorders also chronic anxiety disorders such as panic and obsessive compulsive disorder may be accompanied by depression other causes alcohol abuse long term alcohol use intoxication or withdrawal commonly produces depression drugs various drugs cause depression as an adverse effect among the more common are barbiturates chemotherapeutic drugs such as asparaginase anticonvulsants such as diazepam and antiarrhythmics such as disopyramide other depression inducing drugs include centrally acting antihypertensives such as reserpine common in high dosages methyldopa and clonidine beta adrenergic blockers such as propranolol levodopa indomethacin cycloserine corticosteroids and hormonal contraceptives postpartum period although the cause hasn t been proved depression occurs in about 1 in every 2 000 to 3 000 pregnancies and is characterized by various symptoms symptoms range from mild postpartum blues to an intense suicidal depressive psychosis read book excerpt online source handbook of signs symptoms third edition 2006 fontanel depression medical causes handbook of signs symptoms third edition dehydrationwith mild dehydration 5 weight loss the anterior fontanel appears slightly depressed the infant has pale dry skin and mucous membranes decreased urine output a normal or slightly elevated pulse rate and possibly irritability moderate dehydration 10 weight loss causes slightly more pronounced fontanel depression along with gray skin with poor turgor dry mucous membranes decreased tears and decreased urine output the infant has normal or decreased blood pressure an increased pulse rate and possibly lethargy severe dehydration 15 or greater weight loss may result in a markedly sunken fontanel along with extremely poor skin turgor parched mucous membranes marked oliguria or anuria lethargy and signs of shock such as a rapid thready pulse very low blood pressure and obtundation read book excerpt online source handbook of signs symptoms third edition 2006 major depression causes and incidence professional guide to diseases eighth edition the multiple causes of depression aren t completely understood current research suggests possible genetic familial biochemical physical psychological and social causes psychological causes the focus of many nursing interventions may include feelings of helplessness and vulnerability anger hopelessness and pessimism and low self esteem they may be related to abnormal character and behavior patterns and troubled personal relationships in many cases the history identifies a specific personal loss or severe stressor that probably interacts with the person s predisposition to provoke major depression depression may be secondary to a specific medical condition for example metabolic disturbances such as hypoxia and hypercalcemia endocrine disorders such as diabetes and cushing s syndrome neurologic diseases such as parkinson s and alzheimer s diseases cancer especially of the pancreas viral and bacterial infections such as influenza and pneumonia cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive lung disease musculoskeletal disorders such as degenerative arthritis gi disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome genitourinary problems such as incontinence collagen vascular diseases such as lupus and anemias drugs prescribed for medical and psychiatric conditions as well as many commonly abused substances can also cause depression examples include antihypertensives psychotropics opioid and nonopioid analgesics antiparkinsonian drugs numerous cardiovascular medications oral antidiabetics antimicrobials steroids chemotherapeutic agents cimetidine and alcohol depression occurs in up to 18 million americans affecting all racial ethnic and socioeconomic groups it affects both sexes but is more common in women read book excerpt online source professional guide to diseases eighth edition 2005 puerperal infection causes and incidence professional guide to diseases eighth edition microorganisms that commonly cause puerperal infection include group b streptococci coagulase negative staphylococci clostridium perfringens bacteroides fragilis and escherichia coli most of these organisms are considered normal vaginal flora but are known to cause puerperal infection in the presence of certain predisposing factors prolonged and premature rupture of the membranes prolonged more than 24 hours labor frequent or unsanitary vaginal examinations or unsanitary delivery retained products of conception hemorrhage maternal conditions such as anemia or debilitation from malnutrition cesarean birth 20 fold increase in risk for puerperal infection in the united states puerperal infection develops in about 6 of maternity patients read book excerpt online source professional guide to diseases eighth edition 2005 depression medical causes professional guide to signs symptoms fifth edition organic disordersvarious organic disorders and chronic illnesses produce mild moderate or severe depression among these are metabolic and endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism and diabetes infectious diseases such as influenza hepatitis and encephalitis degenerative diseases such as alzheimer s disease multiple sclerosis and multi infarct dementia and neoplastic disorders such as cancer psychiatric disordersaffective disorders are typically characterized by abrupt mood swings from depression to elation mania or by prolonged episodes of either mood in fact severe depression may last for weeks more moderate depression occurs in cyclothymic disorders and usually alternates with moderate mania moderate depression that s more or less constant over a 2 year period typically results from dysthymic disorders also chronic anxiety disorders such as panic and obsessive compulsive disorder may be accompanied by depression other causes alcohol abuselong term alcohol use intoxication or withdrawal commonly produces depression drugsvarious drugs cause depression as an adverse effect among the more common are barbiturates chemotherapeutic drugs such as asparaginase anticonvulsants such as diazepam and antiarrhythmics such as disopyramide other depression inducing drugs include centrally acting antihypertensives such as reserpine common with high doses methyldopa and clonidine beta adrenergic blockers such as propranolol levodopa indomethacin cycloserine corticosteroids and hormonal contraceptives postpartum periodalthough its cause hasn t been determined postpartum depression occurs in about 1 in every 2 000 to 3 000 women who have given birth symptoms range from mild postpartum blues to an intense suicidal depressive psychosis read book excerpt online source professional guide to signs symptoms fifth edition 2006 fontanel depression medical causes professional guide to signs symptoms fifth edition dehydrationin mild dehydration 5 weight loss the anterior fontanel appears slightly depressed other findings include pale dry skin and mucous membranes decreased urine output a normal or slightly elevated pulse rate and possibly irritability moderate dehydration 10 weight loss causes slightly more pronounced fontanel depression along with gray skin with poor turgor dry mucous membranes decreased tears and decreased urine output the infant has normal or decreased blood pressure and an increased pulse rate he may also be lethargic severe dehydration 15 or greater weight loss may result in a markedly sunken fontanel along with extremely poor skin turgor parched mucous membranes marked oliguria or anuria lethargy and signs of shock such as rapid thready pulse very low blood pressure and obtundation read book excerpt online source professional guide to signs symptoms fifth edition 2006 depression differential overview field guide to bedside diagnosis dysthymia major depression adjustment disorder with depressed mood seasonal affective disorder bipolar disorder drug induced grief thyroid disease dementia stroke paraneoplastic read book excerpt online source field guide to bedside diagnosis 2007 depression major causes handbook of diseases the multiple causes of depression aren t completely understood current research suggests possible genetic familial biochemical physical psychological and social causes psychological factors such causes may include feelings of helplessness and vulnerability anger hopelessness and pessimism and low self esteem they may be related to abnormal character and behavior patterns and troubled personal relationships in many patients the history identifies a specific personal loss or severe stressor that probably interacts with the person s predisposition to provoke major depression medical conditions depression may be secondary to a specific medical condition for example metabolic disturbances such as hypoxia and hypercalcemia endocrine disorders such as diabetes and cushing s disease neurologic diseases such as parkinson s and alzheimer s disease and cancer especially of the pancreas other medical conditions that may underlie depression include viral and bacterial infections such as influenza and pneumonia cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease musculoskeletal disorders such as degenerative arthritis gi disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome genitourinary problems such as incontinence collagen vascular diseases such as lupus and anemias drugs drugs prescribed for medical and psychiatric conditions as well as many commonly abused substances can also cause depression examples include antihypertensives psychotropics narcotic and nonnarcotic analgesics antiparkinsonian drugs numerous cardiovascular medications oral antidiabetics antimicrobials steroids chemotherapeutic agents cimetidine and alcohol read book excerpt online source handbook of diseases 2003 fontanel depression medical causes nursing interpreting signs and symptoms dehydration with mild dehydration 5 weight loss the anterior fontanel appears slightly depressed the infant has pale dry skin and mucous membranes decreased urine output a normal or slightly elevated pulse rate and possibly irritability moderate dehydration 10 weight loss causes slightly more pronounced fontanel depression along with gray skin with poor turgor dry mucous membranes decreased tears and decreased urine output the infant has normal or decreased blood pressure an increased pulse rate and possibly lethargy severe dehydration 15 or greater weight loss may result in a markedly sunken fontanel along with extremely poor skin turgor parched mucous membranes marked oliguria or anuria lethargy and signs of shock such as a rapid thready pulse very low blood pressure and obtundation read book excerpt online source nursing interpreting signs and symptoms 2007 rate this website what do you think about the features of this website take our user survey and have your say 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