Home Health Center Postpartum Depression   Diagnosing Postpartum Depression

Diagnosis of Postpartum Depression


As such, there are no definitive tests for postpartum depression. A diagnosis of postpartum depression is made by a doctor after gathering a complete family, medical and mental health history. The doctor will take into account the patient's entire life history and background including gender, sexual orientation, cultural and religious background as well as socioeconomic status. A physical examination will be performed and lab tests will be ordered to evaluate the patient’s general health.

Postpartum depression should not be confused with the more common “baby blues” which affects most new mothers. The latter is characterized by feelings of sadness, irritability, anxiety and confusion. Unlike postpartum depression, the symptoms tend to peak at around day 4 after delivery and resolve by day 10 and do not affect the mother’s ability to care for the baby.

Postpartum psychosis on the other hand, is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention because of the danger to the life of the mother and the baby. It usually begins within two weeks of delivery and is often associated with bipolar disorder. 
Signs & Symptoms
Treatments
Frequently asked questions
References
  1. Laura J. Miller, Elizabeth M. LaRusso, Preventing Postpartum Depression, Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Volume 34, Issue 1, March 2011, Pages 53-65, ISSN 0193-953X, 10.1016/j.psc.2010.11.010.
  2. Christina Munoz, Janyce Agruss, Amy Haeger, Lynn Sivertsen, Postpartum Depression: Detection and Treatment in the Primary Care Setting, The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, Volume 2, Issue 4, April 2006, Pages 247-253, ISSN 1555-4155, 10.1016/j.nurpra.2006.02.008.