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• Postpartum depression is a type of depression following childbirth. Postpartum depression is most often seen in women, but can also affect men.

• Fast Facts

  1. Affects 1 in 10 womenAPA: Postpartum Depression
  2. Onset: Within first 3 months after childbirth
  3. A serious medical condition
  4. Can harm mother and child

• Symptoms

  The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to the symptoms for other types of depression, including sleep issues, weight changes, feelings of sadness and hopelessness, irritability, feelings of guilt, confusion, difficulty making decisions, and sometimes thoughts of suicide.March of Dimes: Postpartum Depression

• Causes

  Researchers believe that postpartum depression is caused by the large changes in hormone levels after a woman gives birth to a child. It may also be caused by the stress of caring for a new child, and possibly by the physical demands, such as lack of sleep, due to a crying infant.MedlinePlus: Postpartum Depression According to HealthDay, an animal study on mice may have pinpointed the cause of postpartum depression as the improper regulation of GABA receptors.HealthDay: Possible Cause of Postpartum Depression Pinpointed (July 30, 2008)

• Treatment

  Much like other types of depression, medication and talk therapy are the two most common treatments for postpartum depression. Certain antidepressants do not enter into the breast milk once taken, and these may be safely used while breastfeeding.MayoClinic.com: Postpartum Depression: Treatments and Drugs

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for information on postpartum depression.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Depression | Pregnancy | How to Get Pregnant | Katie Corcoran | Depression Treatment | Postpartum Thyroiditis | PPT Treatment

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