Mental health disorders in he postpartum period have
implications for the mother, the newborn, and the entire
family. Such conditions can interfere with attachment to
the newborn and family integration, and some may
threaten the safety and well being of the mother,
newborn, and other children.
Types
Postpartum depression
PPD is an intense and pervasive
sadness with severe and labile
mood swings and is more serious
and persistent than postpartu blus
Characteristics
Overwhelming fatigue
Difficulty bonding
with your baby
Thoughts of harming yourself
or your baby
Insomnia
Loss of appetite
Feelings of shame,
guilt or inadequacy
Severe mood swings
Withdrawal from
family and friends
Lack of joy in life
Loss of interest in sex
Intense irritability and anger
Medical Management
antidepressants
anciolytic agents
electroconvulsive therapy
hospitlization
Postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a
syndrome most often
characterized by depression,
delusions, and, thoughts by the
mother by harming either the
infant or herself.
Chaacteristics
Confusion and disorientation
Hallucinations and delusions
Paranoia
Attempts to harm
yourself or your baby
Management
psychiatric
hospitalization
Antipsychotics
mood
stabilizers
Baby Blues
Characteristics
Anxiety
Crying
Irritability
Decreased concentration
Sadness
Mood swings
Trouble sleeping
commonly include mood
swings and crying spells that
fade quickly