I know MD will know all this from work but others such as DP may not- the DSM-IV (and also ICD-10) is what defines medical conditions today and is being updates atm although I only know what it says about ASD not psych illnesses. 'Postpartum depression is defined by the DSM-IV as the onset of depressive symptoms within 4 weeks of childbirth. Symptoms are very similar to major depression, and can also include fluctuations in mood, preoccupation with infant well-being, as well as at times just the opposite, complete disinterest in the infant which, if prolonged, may result in failure to thrive syndrome. Although the DSM-IV suggests rigid guidelines in terms of time periods where this diagnosis should or should not be made, it is imperative to note that in medicine, as well as psychiatry and psychology, there is leeway. Subsequently, at 4 weeks and 2 days, if the mother comes down with depressive symptoms, this diagnosis still should be made.
Infantcide, where children are killed by their mother, is most often associated with postpartum psychotic episodes that are usually characterized by hallucinations. These are usually auditory command hallucinations directing the mother to kill the infant. There can be delusions that the child may be possessed. Statistics for psychotic breaches with postpartum depression range anywhere from 1 in 500 to 1 in 1,000, as per the DSM-IV.
Once a woman has had a postpartum episode, the risk of occurrence for future deliveries is approximately a 30-50% increase.
Other symptomatology may include anxiety attacks, panic attacks, fear of being alone with the infant, and complete disinterest. This is not to be confused with the ?baby blues,? which does affect up to approximately 70% of women during the first 10-14 days postpartum. This is transient, and usually does not impair functioning.
It is not uncommon for the healthiest of mother to experience fear and anxiety with the birth of a child. Common fears that are not often voiced may relate to ability to raise a child successfully, questioning whether she will do a ?better job or worse job? than her own mother, fears regarding possible health issues that could develop in her child, and ability to care for a child in the event that occurs, fear regarding ability to maintain her relationship with her significant other (?Will I still be a good wife?). All of these feelings and questions are normal, and only become ?abnormal? when they impact daily routines and/or involve risky caretaker behavior.
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So it does differentiate between normal adjustment fears and clinical symptomology.