What causes postpartum depression?
Here are several possible causes for postpartum depression (PPD):
Hormone/Biologic Causes
It is very likely that at least part of the cause for PPD is related to hormones. One study showed similarities between certain hormone level of mothers during the postpartum period and other women not in postpartum who suffer from chronic depression.
Another recent study suggests that one possible cause may be the drop in insulin that mother experience in the postpartum period. The drop in insulin reduces the level of serotonin in the brain, which is well –known for its ability to affect mood disorders.
Marital/Self-esteem Causes
Marital dissatisfaction is not only a risk factor but may also be a cause for PPD. Mothers who are closer to their spouses/partners are less likely to develop PPD. Some research shows that receiving a daily massage from their partner dramatically reduced the incidence of PPD for some mothers. So a poor marital relationship can play a role in PPD.
Health/Fatigue Causes
There is some evidence that postpartum mood disorders may be directly related to the fatigue women experience. One study showed that the level of fatigue mothers reported at two weeks “postpartum was the best predictor of later postpartum mood disorders at four weeks” postpartum. But the lack of sleep adds to the mother’s inability to care for herself and her baby.
Sociocultural Causes
Researchers discover possible causes is to study what works to treat women with PDD. One study it indicated that when potentially ”at risk” mothers, who were disadvantage received individual counseling, it greatly reduced their chances of developing major PPD. There are likely many potential triggers or causes for PDD.
