Causes To Inmigration Into United States

Postpartum Depression

The birth of a child can be a joyous and exciting time, but following childbirth, some women may experiment postpartum disorders that can adversely affect a woman’s mental health. Mothers commonly experience what is called “the baby blues,” mood swings that are result of high hormone fluctuation that occur during immediately after childbirth. They may also experience more serious mental health disorders such as postpartum depression, birth-related posttraumatic stress disorder or a severe but rare condition called postpartum psychosis.

      This topic is relevant in Psychology is because people need more education on the aspect of post partum depression, from its history and its origins and its affect on women and their families to the wide variety of treatments, including medical treatments and psychological therapy.

      What is Postpartum Depression? Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a serious mental health problem characterized of a gradual increase in depressed mood and behavior, occurring at a time of major life change and increased responsibilities in the care of a newborn infant. It lasts past the “baby blues” period, and can begin up to six weeks after birth. (American Psychological Association, 2007)

      PPD is estimated to occur in approximately 10-20% people who give birth in the United States. In 2000 the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Data reported Postpartum Depression, the percentage of PRAMS respondents with severe SRPPD ranged from 5.1% in Washington to 8.9% in Louisiana; the percentage with low to moderate depression ranged from 48.9% in New York to 62.3% in Utah; and the percentage with no depression ranged from 310% in Utah to 44.6% in New York.   (CDC, 2000)

      PPD can start during pregnancy and may continue after they give birth and lasts longer than two weeks. Therefore, prompt recognition and treatment of puerperal mood disorders are essential. (Table 1)

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