Symptoms of Postpartum depression

Symptoms of Postpartum depression

The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Postpartum depression includes the 41 symptoms listed below:

• See also symptoms of depression
• Mood changes
• Sadness
• Despair
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Helplessness
• Hopelessness
• Anger
• Shame
• Exhaustion
• Restlessness
• Excessive crying (mother)
• Fear of rejection
• Headaches
• Chest pains
• Heart palpitations
• Numbness
• Hyperventilation
• Sleep problems
• Extreme exhaustion
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Overeating
• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Difficulty making decisions
• Excessive concern over the baby
• Disinterest in the baby
• Fear of harming the baby
• Reduced libido
• Loss of interest
• Menstrual irregularity
• Inadequacy
• Guilt
• Worthlessness
• Fear of harming the baby
• Fear of harming oneself
• Loss of interest in activities
• Loss of interest in sex
• more information...»

Research symptoms & diagnosis of Postpartum depression:

• Overview -- Postpartum depression
• Diagnostic Tests for Postpartum depression
• Home Diagnostic Testing
• Complications -- Postpartum depression
• Doctors & Specialists
• Misdiagnosis and Alternative Diagnoses
• Hidden Causes of Postpartum depression
• Other Causes -- causes of these or similar symptoms

Postpartum depression: Complications

Review medical complications possibly associated with Postpartum depression:

• Relationship problems
• Clinical depression
• Postpartum psychosis
• more complications...»

Diagnostic Testing

Diagnostic testing of medical conditions related to Postpartum depression:

• Thyroid tests
• more tests...»

Research More About Postpartum depression

Do I have Postpartum depression?

• Postpartum depression: Introduction
• Postpartum depression: Diagnostic Testing to confirm diagnosis
• Home Diagnostic Testing
• Alternative diagnoses and misdiagnosis for Postpartum depression
• Failure to Diagnose Postpartum depression
• How serious is it?
• Treatments for Postpartum depression
• More about Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression: Medical Mistakes

• Concentration -- Health Mistakes
• ADHD -- Health Mistakes
• ADHD (Adults) -- Health Mistakes
• Depression -- Health Mistakes
• Bipolar -- Health Mistakes
• Sleep Disorders -- Health Mistakes
• more mistakes...»

Postpartum depression: Undiagnosed Conditions

Diseases that may be commonly undiagnosed in related medical areas:

• Brain & Neurological Disorders: Undiagnosed:
  • Adult ADHD -- Undiagnosed - Often remains undiagnosed through to adulthood.
  • ADHD -- Undiagnosed
  • Alzheimer Disease -- Undiagnosed
  • Migraine -- Undiagnosed
  • Concentration Disorders -- Undiagnosed
  • Stroke -- Undiagnosed
  • Bipolar Disorder -- Undiagnosed
  • Schizophrenia -- Undiagnosed
  • Epilepsy -- Undiagnosed
• more undiagnosed conditions...»

Home Diagnostic Testing

Home medical tests related to Postpartum depression:

• Child Behavior: Home Testing
  • ADHD -- Home Testing
  • Concentration -- Home Testing
• Mental Health (Adults): Home Testing
  • Adult ADHD -- Home Testing
• Mental Health: Home Testing:
  • Home Emotional Stress Tests
• Brain & Neurological Disorders: Related Home Testing:
  • Drug Screening Kits
• more home tests...»

Wrongly Diagnosed with Postpartum depression?

The list of other diseases or medical conditions that may be on the differential diagnosis list of alternative diagnoses for Postpartum depression includes:

• Baby blues
• Postpartum anxiety
• Panic disorder
• Postpartum psychosis
• Thyroid deficiency
• more diagnoses...»

See the full list of 6 alternative diagnoses for Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression: Research Doctors & Specialists

• Mental Health Specialists:
  • Psychiatry (Mental Health)
  • Addiction Psychiatry
  • Geriatric Psychiatry (Seniors Mental Health)
  • Pediatric / Adolescent Psychiatry (Child/Teen Mental Health)
  • Pediatric Developmental Behavioral Health (Child Behavior Specialist)
  • Psychosomatic Medicine
  • Forensic Psychiatry
• Senior Health Specialists (Geriatrics):
  • Geriatric Medicine (Senior Health Specialist)
  • Geriatric Psychiatry (Senior Mental Health)
• more specialists...»

Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.

More about symptoms of Postpartum depression:

More information about symptoms of Postpartum depression and related conditions:

• Other diseases with similar symptoms and common misdiagnoses
• Tests to determine if these are the symptoms of Postpartum depression
• Symptoms that may be caused by complications of Postpartum depression
• Underlying causes of Postpartum depression
• Risk factors for Postpartum depression

Other Possible Causes of these Symptoms

Click on any of the symptoms below to see a full list of other causes including diseases, medical conditions, toxins, drug interactions, or drug side effect causes of that symptom.

• Anger - see all causes of Anger
• Anxiety - see all causes of Anxiety
• Chest pains - see all causes of Chest pains
• Despair - see all causes of Despair
• Difficulty concentrating - see all causes of Concentration difficulty
• Difficulty making decisions - see all causes of Cognitive impairment
• Disinterest in the baby - see all causes of Detachment
• Excessive concern over the baby - see all causes of Anxiety
• Exhaustion - see all causes of Prostration
• Extreme exhaustion - see all causes of Prostration
• Fear of harming oneself - see all causes of Fear
• Fear of harming the baby - see all causes of Fear
• Fear of harming the baby - see all causes of Fear
• Guilt - see all causes of Guilt
• Headaches - see all causes of Headache
• Heart palpitations - see all causes of Palpitations
• Helplessness - see all causes of Depressive symptoms
• Hopelessness - see all causes of Hopelessness
• Hyperventilation - see all causes of Hyperventilation
• Inadequacy - see all causes of Emotional symptoms
• Irritability - see all causes of Irritability
• Loss of appetite - see all causes of Poor appetite
• Loss of interest - see all causes of Loss of interest
• Loss of interest in activities - see all causes of Loss of interest in activities
• Loss of interest in sex - see all causes of Low libido
• Memory problems - see all causes of Memory symptoms
• Menstrual irregularity - see all causes of Menstrual irregularities
• Mood changes - see all causes of Moodiness
• Numbness - see all causes of Numbness
• Overeating - see all causes of Overeating
• Reduced libido - see all causes of Low libido
• Restlessness - see all causes of Restlessness
• Sadness - see all causes of Sadness
• See also symptoms of depression - see all causes of Depressive symptoms
• Shame - see all causes of Society problems
• Sleep problems - see all causes of Sleep symptoms
• Weight gain - see all causes of Weight gain
• Weight loss - see all causes of Weight loss
• Worthlessness - see all causes of Depressive symptoms

Medical Books Online about Postpartum depression

Medical Books Excerpts Excerpts of published medical book chapters related to Postpartum depression are available from published medical books for more detailed information about Postpartum depression.

Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.

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Symptoms of Postpartum depression: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the symptoms of Postpartum depression.

Major depression: Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

The primary features of major depression are a predominantly sad mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. The patient may complain of feeling “down in the dumps,” express doubts about his self-worth or ability to cope, or simply appear unhappy and apathetic. He may also report feeling angry or anxious. Symptoms tend to be more severe than those caused by dysthymic disorder, which is a milder, chronic form of depression. (See Dysthymic disorder, page 456.) Other common signs include difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly, distractibility, and indecisiveness. All physiologic and psychologic processes are slowed. Anergia and fatigue are common as are anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure) and insomnia. Take special note if the patient reveals suicidal thoughts, a preoccupation with death, or previous suicide attempts.

The psychosocial history may reveal life problems or losses that can account for the depression. Alternatively, the patient’s medical history may implicate a physical disorder or the use of prescription, nonprescription, or illegal drugs that can cause depression.

The patient may report an increase or a decrease in appetite, sleep disturbances (for example, insomnia or early awakening), a lack of interest in sexual activity, constipation, or diarrhea. Other signs that you may note during a physical examination include agitation (such as hand wringing or restlessness) and reduced psychomotor activity (for example, slowed speech).

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Puerperal infection: Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

A characteristic sign of puerperal infection is fever (at least 100.4° F [38° C]) that occurs in the first 24 hours in the first 9 days postpartum. This fever can spike as high as 105° F (40.6° C) and is commonly associated with chills, headache, malaise, restlessness, and anxiety. Abortion or miscarriage isn’t usually associated with this infection and fever. 

Accompanying signs and symptoms depend on the infection’s extent and site and may include:

❑ endometritis: heavy, sometimes foul-smelling lochia; tender, enlarged uterus; backache; severe uterine contractions persisting after childbirth

❑ parametritis (pelvic cellulitis): vaginal tenderness and abdominal pain and tenderness (pain may become more intense as infection spreads).

The inflammation may remain localized, may lead to abscess formation, or may spread through the blood or lymphatic system. Widespread inflammation may cause:

❑ pelvic thrombophlebitis: severe, repeated chills and dramatic swings in body temperature; lower abdominal or flank pain; and, possibly, a palpable tender mass over the affected area, which usually develops near the second postpartum week

❑ femoral thrombophlebitis: pain, stiffness, or swelling in a leg or the groin; inflammation or shiny, white appearance of the affected leg; malaise; fever; and chills, usually beginning 10 to 20 days postpartum (these signs may precipitate pulmonary embolism)

❑ peritonitis: body temperature usually elevated, accompanied by tachycardia (greater than 140 beats/minute), weak pulse, hiccups, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; constant and possibly excruciating abdominal pain.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Depression, major: Signs and symptoms
(Handbook of Diseases)

The primary features of major depression are a predominantly sad mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. Symptoms tend to be more severe than those caused by dysthymic disorder, which is a milder, chronic form of depression. (See Dysthymic disorder: A chronic affective disorder.) 

The depressive patient may complain of feeling “down in the dumps,” express doubts about his self-worth or ability to cope, or simply appear unhappy and apathetic. He may also report feeling angry or anxious.

Other common signs include difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly, distractibility, and indecisiveness. Take special note if the patient reveals suicidal thoughts, a preoccupation with death, or previous suicide attempts.

The psychosocial history may reveal life problems or losses that can account for the depression. Alternatively, the patient’s medical history may implicate a physical disorder or the use of prescription, nonprescription, or illegal drugs that can cause depression.

The patient may report an increase or a decrease in appetite, sleep disturbances (for example, insomnia or early awakening), a lack of interest in sexual activity, constipation, or diarrhea. Other signs that you may note during a physical examination include agitation (such as hand wringing or restlessness) and reduced psychomotor activity (for example, slowed speech).

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Article Excerpts About Symptoms of Postpartum depression:

Postpartum Depression Fact Sheet: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Postpartum depression can occur after the birth of any child, not just the first (6) . This condition is characterized by more intense feelings of sadness, despair, anxiety, and irritability. It often disrupts a woman's ability to function, which is the key sign that medical attention is necessary. (Source: excerpt from Postpartum Depression Fact Sheet: NWHIC)

Postpartum Depression Fact Sheet: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Symptoms of postpartum depression include

• restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying;
• headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations, numbness, hyperventilation;
• an inability to sleep or extreme exhaustion or both;
• loss of appetite and weight loss, or, conversely, overeating and weight gain;
• difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions;
• an excessive amount of concern or disinterest in the baby;
• feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and worthlessness;
• a fear of harming the baby or one's self;
• a loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex (14) .

Postpartum depression as a Cause of Symptoms or Medical Conditions

When considering symptoms of Postpartum depression, it is also important to consider Postpartum depression as a possible cause of other medical conditions. The Disease Database lists the following medical conditions that Postpartum depression may cause:

• Maternal mortality
• Mood alteration

Postpartum depression as a symptom:

For a more detailed analysis of Postpartum depression as a symptom, including causes, drug side effect causes, and drug interaction causes, please see our Symptom Center information for Postpartum depression.

Medical articles and books on symptoms:

These general reference articles may be of interest in relation to medical signs and symptoms of disease in general:

• Diagnostic Testing for a Diagnosis of Postpartum depression
• Research Alternative Diagnoses for Postpartum depression
• How serious is Postpartum depression?
• More about Postpartum depression
• Online Diagnosis
• Self Diagnosis Pitfalls
• Pitfalls of Online Diagnosis
• Symptoms of the Silent Killer Diseases
• Lesser known silent killer diseases
• Books on signs and symptoms

Full list of premium articles on symptoms and diagnosis

About signs and symptoms of Postpartum depression:

The symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Postpartum depression. This signs and symptoms information for Postpartum depression has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of Postpartum depression signs or Postpartum depression symptoms. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Postpartum depression may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Postpartum depression symptoms.