postpartum depression
noun
: a mood disorder involving intense psychological depression that typically occurs within one month after giving birth, lasts more than two weeks, and is accompanied by other symptoms (such as social withdrawal, difficulty in bonding with the baby, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt)
Strictly defined, postpartum depression is diagnosed by the criteria for major depression—overwhelming feelings of sadness, guilt or worthlessness for at least two weeks—beginning sometime in the month after the baby is born.
Jill U. Adams
Jill U. Adams… 10 to 20 percent of new mothers in the United States feel so depressed within six months of childbirth that they have trouble with normal functioning. This is postpartum depression … and it can occur after the birth of any child. Andrew Weil
Andrew Weil… it turns out that men can also have postpartum depression, and its effects can be every bit as disruptive—not just on the father but on mother and child. Richard A. Friedman
—abbreviation PPD compare postpartum blues Richard A. Friedman
Word History
First Known Use
1929, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
postpartum depression
noun
: a mood disorder involving intense psychological depression that typically occurs within one month after giving birth, lasts more than two weeks, and is accompanied by other symptoms (such as social withdrawal, difficulty in bonding with the baby, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt) —abbreviation PPD compare postpartum blues
Strictly defined, postpartum depression is diagnosed by the criteria for major depression—overwhelming feelings of sadness, guilt or worthlessness for at least two weeks—beginning sometime in the month after the baby is born. Jill U. Adams, Los Angeles Times
Jill U. Adams, Los Angeles TimesMost new mothers feel a little down after their baby is born. For one in ten, however, postpartum depression … can last up to a year and even leave a woman unable to care for her infant. Ellen Rapp, Parenting
Ellen Rapp, ParentingDoctors typically treat postpartum depression with medication, talk therapy or both. Susan H. Greenberg and Karen Springen, Newsweek
Susan H. Greenberg and Karen Springen, NewsweekNote: Postpartum depression may initially be misdiagnosed as postpartum blues but the symptoms of postpartum depression are more intense and debilitating and last longer than two weeks. While typically affecting mothers, there is evidence that fathers may also experience postpartum depression.