Perinatal Depression and Anxiety
Perinatal depression is a term that includes both depression that occurs during pregnancy (prenatal depression) and depression that occurs after childbirth (postpartum depression).
Perinatal depression is a serious medical condition that can cause a range of symptoms, including:
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Extreme sadness
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Anxiety
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Indifference
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Changes in sleep, energy, and appetite
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Difficulty caring for oneself or others
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Other Notable Features
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Can affect up to 20% of women who give birth.
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Perinatal depression can be treated with a combination of psychotherapy, support groups, and medication. It's important to seek help if you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of perinatal depression, especially if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
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Perinatal depression is different from the "baby blues", which are short-lived mood changes that many new mothers experience in the first two weeks after giving birth. The "baby blues" can be treated with rest, a healthy diet, and extra pampering
Assessment Measures and Resources
Assessment Measures
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