Roughly 25% of people admitted to the hospital for depression suffer from psychotic depression. Psychotic depression, clinically referred to as major depressive disorder with psychotic features, is characterized by not only depressive symptoms but also hallucinations or delusions. A person with psychotic depression has detached from reality. Often, psychotically depressed people become paranoid or come to believe their thoughts are not their own or others can "hear" their thoughts.

While people with other mental illness, like schizophrenia, also experience these symptoms, those with psychotic depression are usually aware these thoughts aren't true. They may be ashamed or embarrassed and try to hide them, sometimes making this variation of depression difficult to diagnose. After its onset, there is an increased risk of bipolar depression, recurring episodes of psychotic depression and suicide.

It is important that a person experiencing psychotic depression symptoms be properly diagnosed because treatment for psychotic depression is different than that for other major depressive illnesses.

Psychotic Depression Causes

Researchers aren't exactly sure what causes psychotic depression, but it's frequently associated with high blood levels of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is an important steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. More cortisol is released during times of stress – biological and psychological.

While not a direct psychotic depression cause, it is known that those with a family history of depression or psychotic illness are more susceptible to psychotic depression.

When being diagnosed, other causes of the psychotic depression symptoms should be examined such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse or an organic brain illness.

Psychotic Depression Symptoms

Common psychotic depression symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Hypochondria
• Insomnia – difficulty falling asleep and frequent waking during the night
• Physical immobility
• Constipation
• Cognitive impairment
• Suicide

Psychotic Depression Treatment

Psychotic depression treatment typically requires a hospital stay and close follow-up by a mental health professional. Combinations of tricyclic antidepressants and antipsychotic medications have been most effective in easing symptoms. The addition of lithium to this combination can be beneficial for those with bipolar disorder.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a very rapid and effective treatment for psychotic depression. Because of the severity of psychotic depression symptoms, electroconvulsive therapy is often the treatment of choice.¹

Psychotic Depression Prognosis

Psychotic depression treatment is very effective and people are able to recover, usually within a year, but continual medical follow-up may be necessary. Generally, the depressive symptoms have a much higher rate of recurrence than the psychotic symptoms.

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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a major depressive disorder and is defined in the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a mental illness that describes mood changes occurring exclusively during the two weeks before menses. While 80% of women experience some physical and emotional problems during this time, only 3% - 8% meet the definition of PMDD. Premenstrual dysphoric syndrome is most commonly found in women in their late-30s to mid-40s.¹

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Symptoms

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms are similar to those in major depression with the most common symptom being irritability. Physical PMDD symptoms of breast pain and bloating, as well as its timing, differentiate PMDD from standard depression with PMS. PMDD is associated with an increased risk of suicide when the patient is symptomatic.

Other symptoms of PMDD include:

• Depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness or self-deprecating thoughts (read more about: Depression Symptoms)
• Anxiety, tension, feelings of being "keyed up" or "on edge"
• Frequently changing, wide-ranging emotions (eg, feeling suddenly sad or tearful or increased sensitivity to rejection)
• Anger or increased conflicts with others
• Decreased interest in usual activities
• Difficulty concentrating
• Lack of energy, tired
• Change in appetite, overeating or specific food cravings
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Feelings of being overwhelmed or out of control
• Other physical symptoms, such as headaches, joint or muscle pain or weight gain

In addition to the above PMDD symptoms, to be diagnosed with PMDD these symptoms must occur only during the two weeks before menses for at least two consecutive cycles. Other diagnostic criteria for PMDD include:

• The symptoms of PMDD must be severe enough as to interfere with day-to-day functioning (for example, avoiding friends or decreased productivity at work).
• The symptoms must not be an exacerbation of another illness.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Treatment

There are several treatments available for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Both pharmacological and lifestyle changes are options for PMDD treatment. Dietary changes such as abstaining from caffeine, reducing sodium and avoiding alcohol may be helpful. Exercise is also helpful in treating the symptoms of PMDD.

Other non-pharmacological treatments for PMDD include:

• Relaxation therapy – reduces blood pressure, heart rate, rate of breathing and slows brain waves. Therapy may be specific to PMDD or general as in yoga or meditation. Studies show conflicting results on efficacy.
• Light therapy – usage of natural, full-spectrum lighting. Clinical efficacy of bright light therapy is uncertain.
• Sleep deprivation – as in major depressive disorder, those with PMDD seem to respond to sleep deprivation treatment. Depressive symptoms of PMDD were reduced after a night of recovery sleep following a night of sleep deprivation.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – focuses on anger control as well as emotion and thought restructuring. Although clinical evidence suffers from poor study design, CBT is thought to be effective. (more information on: Therapy for Depression)

Medication treatment is also available for PMDD. Antidepressants, anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) and mood stabilizers are all commonly used. Other pharmacological PMDD treatments with supporting clinical evidence include:

• Vitamins and minerals such as calcium supplements and magnesium
• Hormone medications like drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (Yaz), an estradiol transdermal patch (Esclim) or danazol
• Diuretics
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like mefenamic acid (Ponstel) or naproxen sodium (Naprelan)
• Beta-blockers like atenolol (Tenormin) or propranolol (Inderal)

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Postpartum depression is a subtype of the mental illness major depressive disorder. And while postpartum depression is only officially recognized in women, new research suggests many men get depressed after the birth of their child as well. The highest rates of postpartum depression in men are between 3 – 6 months after birth.¹

One study of 5000 members of two-parent households indicated about 10% of fathers experienced moderate-to-severe postpartum depression, compared to 4.8% of men in the general population. This compared to 14% of postpartum women, according to the same study from Eastern Virginia Medical School Center for Pediatric Research.

Researchers hope more doctors will take the time to screen both women and men for postpartum depression during well-child visits after the child is born.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in Men

Rather than the physical or hormonal changes that contribute to postpartum depression in women, men and postpartum depression seem to be related through changing family dynamics. The family dynamics are usually going through upheaval after the birth of a child, sometimes making the man feel isolated or extraneous. New mothers may wish to control every aspect of the new baby's life, making the man feel disempowered (see Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments). On top of which, men may take personally the mother's lack of sex drive even though this is normal postpartum.

In addition to standard major depressive disorder symptoms, men with postpartum depression tend to:²

• Work longer hours
• Watch more sports
• Drink more
• Be alone more

The Effect of Postpartum Depression in Men

It is well known postpartum depression in women affects mother-infant bonding which, in turn, harms childhood development overall.³ Postpartum depression in men also exerts harmful effects on the household and child. Depressed fathers tend to act more negatively towards their children. Compared to non-depressed fathers, men with postpartum depression were found to: ⁴

• Be almost four times more likely to spank their child
• Be less than half as likely to spend time reading to their child

The American Academy of Pediatrics opposes striking a child for any reason. Spanking a child can lead to agitation and increased aggression in both preschool and school children.

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While mood changes, crying and irritability are normal after childbirth, these symptoms disappear after two weeks for the vast majority of women. Beyond that, women can be diagnosed with the mental illnesses postpartum depression, or in rare cases, postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum psychosis is the most severe post-pregnancy illness and occurs in about 0.1% - 0.2% of women. Women most at risk for postpartum psychosis are those with a history of mental illness like bipolar disorder or those who have experienced previous postpartum psychoses.¹

Postpartum Psychosis Symptoms

Postpartum psychosis often has a rapid onset. It commonly develops 2 – 3 days after childbirth and almost always happens during the first two weeks postpartum.

Postpartum psychosis is considered to be an extreme form of postpartum depression and symptoms of postpartum psychosis mimic those of bipolar mania. Postpartum psychosis can appear like a quickly evolving mania or mixed mood state. Postpartum depression psychosis symptoms include:²

• Extreme agitation and anxiety, restlessness
• Confusion or disorientation
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Rapidly changing depressed or elevated mood
• Disorganized (unusual, often illogical) behavior
• Delusions, often relating to the baby
• Hallucinations, primarily auditory
• Voices telling the mother to harm or kill the infant or herself

What is the Treatment for Postpartum (Post Partum) Psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis is considered an emergency as the rate of infanticide among those with postpartum psychosis is as high as 4%. Due to the severity of symptoms and the possibility of harm to the mother and child, postpartum psychosis should be treated in a hospital setting.

Postpartum psychosis is mostly seen in those with bipolar disorder, so treating postpartum psychosis is similar to treating bipolar mania. Treatment for postpartum psychosis includes:

• Medication treatment: a mood stabilizer like lithium, valproic acid (Depakote) or carbamazepine (Tegretol) in combination with antipsychotics and benzodiazepines (sedatives).
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): known to be a fast, effective and well-tolerated treatment. Often bilateral ECT (a stronger form of ECT) is performed.

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This postpartum depression scale can be very helpful as postpartum depression is a serious mental illness that affects up to 1-in-8 new mothers. It's important to be screened for postpartum depression any time mood disturbances are severe or last longer than two weeks after birth. Postpartum depression can harm both the mother and the child, so early intervention is the key to a complete recovery.

Postpartum Depression Screening

Only a medical professional can do a true postpartum depression screening; however, filling out the postpartum depression quiz below can provide a general likelihood that problems with postpartum depression exist. This quiz will be scored and assessed on a postpartum depression scale. Most women complete the quiz within 10 minutes.

(More information about: Postpartum Depression Signs and Causes of and Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression)

Postpartum Depression Scale Instructions

Below is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) taken from the British Journal of Psychiatry June, 1987, Vol. 150 by J.L. Cox, J.M. Holden, R. Sagovsky.

To find out where you fall on the postpartum depression scale, follow these instructions:

1. Note each response which comes closest to how you have felt in the last seven days.
2. Complete all 10 questions.
3. Complete the quiz by yourself and do not discuss it, or your responses, with anyone else.
4. This postpartum depression quiz is designed to be taken between 6 – 8 weeks after childbirth and may be taken a second time two weeks later for confirmation of the postpartum depression score.

Postpartum Depression Quiz

Please note the answer which comes closest to how you have felt IN THE PAST 7 DAYS, not just how you feel today.

1. I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things.

a) As much as I always could

b) Not quite so much now

c) Definitely not so much now

d) Not at all

2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things.

a) As much as I ever did

b) Rather less than I used to

c) Definitely less than I used to

d) Hardly at all

3. I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong.

a) Yes, most of the time

b) Yes, some of the time

c) Not very often

d) No, never

4. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason.

a) No, not at all

b) Hardly ever

c) Yes, sometimes

d) Yes, very often

5. I have felt scared or panicky for not very good reason.

a) Yes, quite a lot

b) Yes, sometimes

c) No, not much

d) No, not at all

6. Things have been getting on top of me.

a) Yes, most of the time I haven't been able to cope at al

b) Yes, sometimes I haven't been coping as well as usual

c) No, most of the time I have coped quite well

d) No, I have been coping as well as ever

7. I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping.

a) Yes, most of the time

b) Yes, sometimes

c) Not very often

d) No, not at all

8. I have felt sad or miserable.

a) Yes, most of the time

b) Yes, quite often

c) Not very often

d) No, not at all

9. I have been so unhappy that I have been crying.

a) Yes, most of the time

b) Yes, quite often

c) Only occasionally

d) No, never

10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me.

a) Yes, quite often

b) Sometimes

c) Hardly ever

d) Never

Postpartum Depression Quiz Scoring

To score the postpartum depression quiz, add the values for each selected response. The total is used for the postpartum depression scale rating.

Scoring for questions #1, #2 and #4 are:

a) 0

b) 1

c) 2

d) 3

Scoring for questions #3, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9 and #10 are:

a) 3

b) 2

c) 1

d) 0

Postpartum Depression Scale

A result of 10 or greater on the postpartum depression scale indicates the likelihood of postpartum depression; however, this does not indicate the severity.¹ If you scored 10 or more on the postpartum depression screening quiz, or if you have any concern you may have postpartum depression, it's recommended you see a health care professional as soon as possible.

Read more comprehensive information about Postpartum Depression Treatment.

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The mood disturbances following the birth of a child are often called the "baby blues," or the "postpartum (postpartum) blues." The baby blues are distinctly different from postpartum depression and do not rise to the level of mental illness.

Emotional upset after childbirth is extremely common with 85% of women experiencing the baby blues. Only 10% - 15% of women go on to develop postpartum depressive disorder. The postpartum blues are short-lived and do not affect a woman's ability to care for her child.

What are the Postpartum Baby Blues?

The baby blues are a mild depression that is normal for the vast majority of new mothers. Considering the stress of delivery and the physical and hormonal changes experienced during this time, emotional instability is to be expected. Symptoms of postpartum baby blues include:¹

• Rapidly fluctuating mood
• Anxiety
• Sadness, crying
• Irritability
• Decreased concentration
• Trouble sleeping

The severity of postpartum blues peaks around the fourth or fifth day after delivery and typically subsides within two weeks.² 

More than the Postpartum Blues

If the symptoms of the baby blues worsen and go on beyond two weeks there is a possibility of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is much more dangerous as it can affect childcare and a very small number of cases go on to become postpartum psychosis. In both of these cases, professional help should be sought as soon as possible so no harm comes to the mother or baby. Symptoms of postpartum depression can include a worsening of the baby blues symptoms as well as:

• Suicidal thoughts or ideation
• Anhedonia – an inability to feel pleasure
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Appetite changes
• Despair
• Negative feelings towards the child
• Anxiety (see Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments)

Postpartum depression cannot be handled alone and professional medical help should be sought as soon as possible.

Treating Postpartum Blues

In mild cases of depression, such as the baby blues, the American Psychiatric Association supports psychotherapy as the first choice of treatment. Seeing a professional well-versed in post-delivery mood disorders, or connecting with other new mothers in the form of a support group, can help a woman through a baby blue depression (read about: Postpartum Depression Support Groups). Other ways to treat the postpartum blues include:

• Making healthy lifestyle choices – eating healthy foods, incorporating exercise into your routine, getting enough rest and avoiding alcohol.
• Being realistic – every mom wants to be the very best mom she can be, but often her expectations are unrealistic. Setting reasonable goals and asking for help when needed is healthy. No one is supermom.
• Spending personal time – setting aside time every day for self-relaxation, reflection or an enjoyed activity – just for you. These do not have to be long periods of time, but even a few minutes dedicated to what you want, over what everyone else needs, can make you feel better.
• Reaching out – when life gets stressful and problems arise, do not isolate yourself. Friends, family, faith groups, other moms or community organizations can all be good support systems. Talking about what's happening is the first step in making it better.

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A key part of PPD treatment is postpartum depression support, including support groups. Many women feel alone when experiencing postpartum depression and connecting with other mothers is often a source of strength. Knowing that others have been through postpartum depression can help a woman through the very challenging times after the birth of a baby.

Postpartum depression is a mental illness known as a mood disorder and affects 10% - 15% of all mothers. Postpartum depression is not the failing of the mother or those around her; rather she has a problem with the way her brain functions (more info on Symptoms of Postpartum Depression). This mental illness must be treated as soon as possible for the best chance at recovery.

Postpartum Depression Help

When a person suffers from an illness, a support network is important to help them through it; nowhere is this truer than with postpartum depression. In this case, not only is the woman herself experiencing the illness but she's also faced with trying to take care of a newborn and adapt to a new family structure at the same time. The stress of this situation can be enormous. Postpartum depression help from others can lighten this load.

While therapy and medication are the primary treatments, postpartum depression help can also take the form of the following:

• Open talk with supportive friends
• Help with housework and childcare
• Personal time for relaxation and reflection
• Eating a healthy diet
• Aid in obtaining medical or therapeutic help

Read comprehensive information on Postpartum Depression Treatment.

Postpartum Depression Support

While any of the above forms of postpartum depression help can augment mental illness treatment, formal postpartum depression support can also be useful. This can involve community organizations, faith groups or professional services. Postpartum depression support is often in the form of a group and can be found online or in person.

Postpartum depression support groups

Many local organizations offer postpartum depression support groups and in areas where these are not offered, depression support groups are often an option. Postpartum depression support groups give sufferers the chance to connect with other mothers who intimately understand the challenges of dealing with postnatal depression. Postpartum depression support groups can be found:

• Postpartum Support International (PSI)¹ has regional coordinators to provide support, encouragement, and information on postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. Coordinators are listed by state (and internationally) here: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/locations/ Postpartum Support International also has a toll-free phone number to connect those seeking help with local support: 1.800.944.4PPD
• Postpartum Progress² is the most widely-read blog on postpartum depression and other childbirth-related illnesses. Postpartum Progress offers a listing of postpartum depression support groups in Canada and in the U.S.: https://postpartumprogress.com/ppd-support-groups-in-the-u-s-canada

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Postpartum depression treatment is critical as the illness compromises a woman's ability to care for her baby.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common illness with more than one-in-ten women experiencing it after childbirth. PPD may come on quickly but more often postpartum depression symptoms build over the first few months after delivery.

The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates 400,000 infants are born to depressed mothers yearly; however, postpartum depression is often overlooked by both the mother and doctor. Not getting treatment for postpartum depression though, can have long-term effects on child development and behavior.¹

Counseling Treatment for Postpartum Depression

Having a baby is an overwhelming and life-changing experience, increasing stress and often causing symptoms of depression. Counseling treatment for postpartum depression can lessen the anxiety of being a new mother. This postpartum depression treatment focuses on giving the patient information about their illness and providing the patient with tools to help deal with postpartum depression. Family, couple and group counseling may also be helpful.

Counseling is done by a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional. This treatment for postpartum depression has the advantage of helping the mother while not risking harm to the baby. Unfortunately, counseling can take time and money that may not always be available.

Medication Treatment for Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression treatment often includes antidepressant medication just as it would for any clinical depression. Unfortunately, medication passes into the breast milk of the mother, so those who are breastfeeding have to carefully weigh the possible risk to the baby. Most antidepressants are thought to be safe to use postpartum but the issue has not been thoroughly studied. If this is the first incidence of major depression, 6 – 12 months of antidepressant treatment is recommended.¹

Types of antidepressants typically used in the treatment for postpartum depression include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or are first-line treatments.
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) or duloxetine (Cymbalta) may be used to treat postpartum depression occurring with anxiety.
• Tricyclic antidepressants are also available but some studies suggest women respond better to SSRIs.

Hormone therapy either alone or with an antidepressant may also be used to treat postpartum depression. Estrogen therapy is the most common.

Treatment of Postpartum Depression with Electroconvulsive Therapy

In the most severe cases, inpatient treatment of postpartum depression is required and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered. Electroconvulsive therapy involves the application of a small electrical current to part of the brain to create chemical changes that alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression. Electroconvulsive therapy is typically considered for women with severe suicidal ideation or psychosis. Electroconvulsive therapy in postpartum women is considered to be a safe, effective and fast treatment.

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Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression should not be easily dismissed as the baby blues. Postpartum depression is far more than just the "baby blues." Mood alterations naturally occur after childbirth but these are mild, do not prevent a mother from caring for her baby and last less than two weeks. But postpartum depression is a type of major depressive disorder and symptoms of postpartum depression last longer than two weeks.

What are the Initial Signs of Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression signs may start out looking mild but then spiral into symptoms that negatively impact a woman's ability to handle day-to-day activities. Initial signs of postpartum depression generally include:

• mood swings
• anxiety
• sadness
• irritability
• crying
• decreased concentration
• trouble sleeping

However, for most women, these signs do not reach the level of postpartum depression and will fade after a few days. (If you're wondering "Do I have postpartum depression?" complete the postpartum depression scale)

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

About 10% - 15% of women go on to show true symptoms of postpartum depression. These symptoms are identical to those seen in standard major depressive disorder. Symptoms of postpartum depression must be present for longer than two weeks and negatively impact a mother's ability to function. Often the postpartum depression signs will build over the three months after delivery, although can be seen up to one year later.¹ The signs and symptoms of postpartum depression include the amplification of the above signs as well as:²

• More intense mood swings, including anger
• Extreme fatigue
• Insomnia
• Lack of interest and pleasure in most things including sex
• Feelings of shame, inadequacy, guilt
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Thoughts of death, dying or suicide

Postpartum depression must be treated medically as it can impact the care of the baby. Symptoms of postpartum depression can last more than a year if left untreated and may even spiral into a very severe depression known as postpartum psychosis and/or postpartum anxiety.

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Postpartum depression (PPD) aka postnatal depression is major depressive disorder (MDD) that occurs in the year following the birth of a child. While rapidly fluctuating mood including tearfulness, irritability, and anxiety are common during this period, these symptoms are not solely an indication of postpartum depression. For most women, these mood changes remit after two weeks. Postpartum depression extends beyond this two week period and postpartum depression symptoms are indistinguishable from any other major depressive episode. The definition of postpartum depression requires that a negative impact on functioning, possibly including caring for the baby, be present.

Postpartum Depression Statistics

Postpartum (or postnatal) mood changes are very common but a potentially serious problem. While some mistake the symptoms of depression for the "baby blues," postpartum depression often builds over the three months following birth into a full-blown mental illness. Postpartum depression statistics include:¹

• 85% of women experience mood changes postpartum
• About 10% - 15% of women go onto develop postpartum depression
• 0.1% - 0.2% experience postpartum psychosis, an extreme form of postpartum depression
• 400,000 children are born to depressed mothers every year

Causes of Postpartum Depression

There is no single cause of depression after childbirth; however, biological, psychological and environmental factors are thought to contribute to postpartum depression. Some women may also be more vulnerable to postpartum depression because of genetics.

After the birth of a child, a woman's body changes dramatically from severe drops in hormone levels and changes in blood pressure, blood volume and metabolism. All of these contribute to fatigue, sluggishness and feelings of depression. Other factors contributing to the causes of postpartum depression include:²

• Lack of sleep, exhaustion
• Anxiety over caring for a newborn; difficulty breastfeeding
• Concern over physical changes of the body
• Difficulty adjusting to a new lifestyle
• Changes of the family dynamics, including those of older children
• Financial concerns
• Lack of support from others

Related Information about Postpartum Depression

With the causes of postpartum depression explained, it’s important to know if you or a loved one is at risk or exhibiting signs of this disease. Not only women, but men are also susceptible to postpartum depression and should be appropriately diagnosed and treated.

Screening for PPD is handled by a doctor but there are ways to determine if you’re a likely candidate. Once diagnosed, a treatment plan is administered according to the severity of your condition. Ultimately, it’s up to you get the support and treatment you need to overcome this disorder and get back to living a healthy and happy life with your family and friends.

Treatment of Postpartum Depression

Treatment of postpartum depression varies depending on an individual's needs. Some women wish to breastfeed and so concerns are raised about taking medications that will pass into their breast milk. Other women have such severe postpartum depression and anxiety that medication use is required. Treatment of postpartum depression includes:

• Counseling – Therapy and connecting with other mothers can lessen the anxiety of dealing with a newborn. Lactation specialists can help with breastfeeding issues and family therapy can help ease the transition into a new lifestyle.
• Antidepressants – As in other major depressive disorders, antidepressant medications are a common treatment. Various antidepressants can be used, some with little risk to the baby.
• Hormone therapy – Temporarily supplementing some of the hormones that have dropped since childbirth may ease the physical transition and depression symptoms. The full risks of this treatment are unknown, however, due to the lack of research in this area.

In very severe cases of postpartum depression, such as postpartum psychosis, more aggressive medication or electroconvulsive therapy may be used. These treatments are often administered on an inpatient basis.

If you are living with depression, please read our online depression resources and information and go visit your doctor.

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