10-15% of women experience depression following childbirth. PPD occurs during the first four weeks after delivery, but can emerge as much as 2 years after giving birth. The hormone fluctuations (especially the drop of estrogen and progesterone) is greater than any other time in the life cycle. This causes vulnerability to mood disorders.
Other factors that can lead to PPD are:
• Lack of social and partner support
• Stressful life events
• Previous depression
In addition to the normal symptoms of depression such as sadness, depressed mood, and lost of interest and pleasure, the following symptoms may be present:
• Overconcern for the baby
• Guilt, inadequacy, worthlessness, feeling like a failure as a mother
• Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
• Lack of interest in the baby
• Diminished libido
• Anxiety
• Obsessionality
