Symptoms:

Most of the symptoms are the same as in major depression.

In addition to depressed mood, you may have the following symptoms nearly every day:

• Agitation and irritability
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Feeling withdrawn, socially isolated, or unconnected
• Lack of pleasure in all or most activities
• Loss of energy experienced
• Negative feelings toward the baby
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Trouble sleeping

Signs and tests:

There is no single test to diagnose postpartum depression. Your doctor may have you complete a questionnaire at your office visit to look for signs of depression or risks for depression.

Sometimes depression following pregnancy can be related to other medical conditions. Hypothyroidism, for example, causes symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and depression. Women with postpartum depression should have a blood test to screen for low thyroid hormones.