About this episode
Episode 171: Postpartum Blues, Depression, and PsychosisFuture Dr. Nguyen defines and explains the difference between baby blues, depression, and psychosis. Dr. Arreaza added comments about screening and management of these conditions. Written by Vy Nguyen, OMSIII, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. Comments by Hector Arreaza, MD.You are listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast, your weekly dose of knowledge brought to you by the Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program from Bakersfield, California, a UCLA-affiliated program sponsored by Clinica Sierra Vista, Let Us Be Your Healthcare Home. This podcast was created for educational purposes only. Visit your primary care provider for additional medical advice.Introduction.Pregnancy is one of the most well-celebrated milestones in one’s life. However, once the baby is born, the focus of the family and society quickly shifts to the new member. It is important to continue to care for our mothers and offer them support physically and mentally as they begin their transition into their role. Peripartum mood disorders affect both new and experienced mothers as they navigate through the challenges of motherhood. The challenges of motherhood are not easy to spot, and they include sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion, dealing with pain, social isolation, and financial pressures, among other challenges. Let’s focus on 3 aspects of the postpartum period: Postpartum Blues (PPB), Post-partum Depression (PPD) and Post-partum Psychosis (PPP). By the way, we briefly touched on this topic in episode 20, a long time ago. Postpartum blues (PPB) present as transient and self-limiting low mood and mild depressive symptoms that affect more than 50% of women within two or three days of childbirth and resolve within two weeks of onset. Symptoms vary from crying, exhaustion, irritability, anxiety, appetite changes, and decreased sleep or concentration to mood lability. Women are at risk for PPB.Several factors are thought to contribute to the increased risk of postpartum blues including a history of menstrual cycle-related mood changes, mood changes associated with pregnancy, history of major depression, number of lifetime pregnancies, or family history of postpartum depression. Pathogenesis of PPB: While pathogenesis remains unknown, hormonal changes such as a dramatic decrease in estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin have been associated with the development of postpartum blues. In summary, PPB is equivalent to a brief, transient “sad feeling” after the delivery. Peripartum depression (PPD) occurs in 20% of women and is classified as depressive symptoms that appear within six weeks to 1 year after childbirth. Those with baby blues have an increased risk of developing postpartum depression. About 50% of “postpa
