Postpartum depression risk quiz

Postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects not only the mother, but also her child, her partner and the family as a whole. It impacts child development behaviourally, socially and cognitively. It can negatively affect the mother’s relationship with her partner, can put the partner at risk of developing depression, and place the child in a stressful home environment.

In many cases, postpartum depression develops within 12 weeks of giving birth, but it can occur any time up to a year after the baby is born.

While postpartum depression is a common condition experienced by 13 per cent of mothers, there are factors that put some women at greater risk. The strongest risk factors are both psychosocial and mental health-related.

About 10 per cent of fathers will also experience postpartum depression. Risk factors for the father developing depression include having previous mental health issues, and the mother experiencing postpartum depression.

Recent studies show that psychosocial and psychological interventions can decrease the risk of postpartum depression by about 22 per cent. Studies also showed that it was beneficial to receive telephone-based support early in the postpartum period from another mother who previously experienced postpartum depression and had recovered.

Treatment for postpartum depresson depends on symptom severity and is similar to treatment for other types of depression. Those with mild symptoms may benefit by joining a mothers’ group or by receiving non-directive counselling from a public health nurse. Moderate to severe postpartum depression may be treated with psychotherapy, such as interpersonal psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural therapy, and in some cases with antidepressant medication. Severely depressed new mothers often require antidepressant medication as a first step to treatment.