Postpartum depression (
PPD), also called
postnatal depression, is a type of
clinical depression which can affect both sexes after
childbirth. Symptoms may include sadness,
low energy, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, reduced desire for sex, crying episodes,
anxiety, and irritability. While many women experience self-limited, mild symptoms postpartum, postpartum depression should be suspected when symptoms are severe and have lasted over two weeks. In about 1 to 2 per 1,000, postpartum depression results in
postpartum psychosis.