Etiology and Pathophysiology of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is characterized by many different symptoms such as depressed mood and lack of interest in normal, daily activities, disturbances in sleep and appetite, lack of energy, and suicidal thoughts or actions. This can be challenging for healthcare professionals because changes in appetite and sleep which lead to lack of energy are extremely common because of the nature of having a new member of the family to take care of. 

The risk of depression is increased within the first year of childbirth, with adolescents being more susceptible to postpartum depression than other women. People who have experienced depression before are more likely to experience postpartum depression. Social factors play a major role in the likelihood of a person experiencing postpartum depression. Women who have low levels of education, little social support such as the lack of a partner, women experiencing poverty and women who abuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to experience postpartum depression than other women. Another factor is the pregnancy and delivery itself. Unplanned pregnancy, problems during pregnancy and delivery, and the mode of delivery have been argued as factors that can contribute to postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression not only affects the mother and her well-being, but affects the wellbeing of the child. Infancy is a crucial time for development, and if the mother does not have the capacity to bond with her baby, the child will experience developmental delays. Furthermore, postpartum depression increases instances of infanticide and infant neglect.

One conflict medical professionals face when evaluating the etiology and pathophysiology of depression in new mothers is the tension between the positive and adverse effects of psychotropic medication. While giving a mother psychotropic medication decreases the risk of suicide, infanticide, substance abuse, and malnutrition, there may be adverse side effects for a fetus or child that is exposed to these drugs. However, there are also adverse side effects for the child if their mother's bonding with the child is disrupted during this crucial developmental stage.  

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627308005886

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/775406

http://dareallalucedoula.com/postpartum-support-for-new-moms/more-than-just-the-baby-blues-all-about-pnd-postnatal-depression/