Postpartum Mood Disorders: Sometimes More than "Baby Blues."

Abstract

Postpartum mood disorders are a significant clinical and public health concern. While pregnancy is an immense
source of happiness and pleasure for a woman, it is also a stressful time. During pregnancy, there is a significant
increase in the level of steroidal hormones. Women become vulnerable to numerous mood disorders when these
childbirth hormones are suddenly withdrawn. These mood disorders range in severity from mild postpartum blues to
more serious mood disorders such as postpartum depression and psychosis. Approximately 50% to 80% of new
mothers experience postpartum blues within the first few days of their child's birth.
Postpartum depression, while less prevalent (occurring in 10-15% of deliveries), has a profound impact on the health
of both the mother and the baby. Unfortunately, these forms of mental illnesses in women are usually undiagnosed,
untreated, and underestimated. Postpartum psychosis is exceedingly rare, involving about 1-2 mothers out of every
1000 live births, but it is a true psychiatric emergency. This article reviews postpartum mood disorders, their risk
factors, signs and symptoms, complications, screening, treatment, and nursing care for these mothers.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Med. Coll. J. 2022; 1(1):46-48