Postpartum Depression (PPD): A Case Study

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The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of a common and increasing issue among women following the birth of a child, Postpartum Depression (PPD). This disorder will be discussed in terms of the behavioral features, characteristics that influence the onset of the disease, associated complications and consequences; methods of testing and the diagnosis process. In addition, prevention, treatment, and the recovery process associated with PPD is discussed.
Introduction
Among women of childbearing age depression has become one of the most disabling disorders, being second only to HIV/AIDS among women aged 15-44 around the world (Dennis, Heaman, &Vigod, 2012; Shapiro, Fraser & Séguin, 2012). Postpartum Depression (PPD) can be defined as clinical depression that occurs within the first year following the birth of a child, the impact which affects both the child and the family of an affected mother (Abbasi et al., 2013; Dennis el at., 2012). PPD can …show more content…
These symptoms are known to be normal reactions to the birth of a child, but when persisting for several weeks or months these can be the warning of underlying PPD. As this is true these common behavioral features associated with pre and postnatal periods cause many cases of PPD to go undetected. To meet the criteria of PPD, one must experience symptoms for at least 2 weeks and they must directly interfere with everyday life (Grace el at, 2004). Tearfulness, despondency, feelings of guilt, loss of appetite, suicidal ideation, sleep disturbances, feelings of inadequacy and inability to cope with infant, poor concentration and memory, fatigue and irritability are all prominent symptoms of PPD (Grace el at, 2004). Women who are affected by PPD see themselves as bad, inadequate, or unloving mothers (Grace el at,
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