Post-Partum Depression (PPD)

By- Susana Hoque

What Is Post-Partum Depression?

Depression that many women, and even men go through after childbirth and even miscarriage and stillbirth. It is NOT the “baby blues”, this is more of a long-term illness. Has nearly the same symptoms as other depressions, except that the parent has trouble caring for their child as well. Someone is more likely to get PPD if they or someone in their family has Bipolar Depression.

The Problem is that…PPD is more commonly known than the early 90’s but it is not widely recognized yet. Many parents may not even know that they have symptoms of PPD and some women are uncomfortable telling anyone about their symptoms. A lot of doctors aren't taking PPD as a serious mental illness!!

For my research project I will be focusing on…

• Why doctors and more people need to take postpartum depression more seriously.

• Raising Awareness so more people know that PPD exists. Because the earlier it is diagnosed, the more damage can be prevented!

• Does race, ethnicity, and income factor into PPD rates? and why?

Symptoms

of PPD

• Hallucinations –seeing and hearing things that aren’t there

• Thoughts of suicide or harming the baby

Some StatisticsMany studies show that Asian/Pacific Islander women showed the highest rates for PPD followed by Hispanic and African American women. Similarity- Many Women who have been diagnosed were more likely to have given birth to a female.

An example of a serious case of PPD

In 1989, A woman named Tammy Eveans was arrested for killing her 3 children within a three year period. http://fox2now.com/2013/02/18/mother-kills-kids-over-post-partum-psychosis/

Why Should Doctors Take It More Seriously?

If left untreated, Families can be broken and destroyedDevelopment of the child's brain is highly at riskA parent is at risk of suicide or harming his/her baby.If treated correctly early on, PPD can be gone sooner and putting the child at less of a risk.

How can child can be affected?

A childs social engagement, stress levels, and fear reactivity will be greatly be affecting their cognitive development. As children become older you can see more signs such as lower IQ scores, anger issues, anxiety, using drugs and alcohol and ADHD in teens! The child will be at greater risk of depression and poverty in their futures.

The list and depression cycle can go on and on if the parent does not seek treatment- Better Late Than Never!!

Sources• Murray, Lynne, and Peter J. Cooper. Postpartum

Depression and Child Development. New York: Guilford, 1997. Print.

• Twomey, Teresa M, and Shoshana Bennett. Understanding Postpartum Psychosis: A Temporary Madness. Connecticut: Praeger, 2009. Print.

• Liu, Cindy, and Ed Tronick. “Rates and Predictors of Postpartum Depression by race and ethnicity: Results from the 2004 to 2007 NYC PRAMS Survey (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System).” Maternal & Child Health Journal 17.9 (2013): 1599-1610. CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Web. 4 Apr. 2014.