Physically and emotionally, the role and occupational adjustments that come with delivery are difficult. Postpartum mental health issues can vary from the usual postpartum blues to severe psychotic symptoms that indicate postpartum psychosis. These mood disruptions can have a major influence on the woman's quality of life as well as the baby's care and development if they are not appropriately diagnosed and managed. Postpartum depression described as "A daily nightmare filled with uncontrolled anxiety attacks, overwhelming guilt, and thoughts of being alone". It is critical to recognize and address the problem as soon as possible in order to minimize the harmful effects on both the mother and the child. Mood disturbances might have a small functional impact that responds well to social support (e.g., postpartum blues) or they can cause severe functional impairment that need more aggressive therapy (e.g., postpartum depression).
Peripartum mood disturbances differential diagnosis
Peripartum mood disturbances risk factors
Peripartum mood disturbances pathophysiology
Peripartum mood disturbances diagnostic study of choice
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Peripartum mood disturbances epidemiology and demographics
Acute stress disorder risk factors
Post traumatic stress disorder risk factors