Postpartum Depression: A Case Study

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Postpartum depression is considered to be a moderate to severe depression that may affect some women after childbirth. PPD usually occurs, within three months after a mother has given birth. However, postpartum depression symptoms can also appear up to a year later. According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 11 to 20% of women in the United States develop postpartum depression. On an average of 15%, that is about 600,000 women each year; counting live births alone (Postpartum, 2013). Until now, there is no exact explanation as to why postpartum depression affects so many women. However, research has proven that the hormonal level changes women experience during and after pregnancy, may have an effect on women’s mood. Researchers have also discovered that the biological effects of gestational stress can also be linked to PPD. There are various postpartum depression symptoms women experience. Some of the most common symptoms are, difficulty bonding with newborn, severe mood swings, fear of not being a good mother, and excessive crying. Woman with severe postpartum depression, may also have negative feelings towards their babies, and might even have thoughts of harming their infants. Therefore, it is extremely important for women experiencing these feelings to seek help, by either talking to a family member, or medical doctor (MedlinePlus, 2017). …show more content…
These main factors are called biological, psychological, and sociocultural. The biopsychosocial perspective helps us understand the origin of abnormal psychology, and how these perspectives have an effect on the development of psychological illnesses. In addition, these perspectives provide a foundation that helps psychologists, and mental health professional determine the cause and adequate treatment of psychological disorders (Nevid,