108 Obstetrics and Gynecology Board Review •••
❍ True or False: About 50% of childbearing women experience postpartum blues.
True.
❍ List some factors that most likely contribute to the development of postpartum blues.
Hormonal changes of the puerperium
The discomforts of the puerperium
A new mother’s anxieties over her capabilities for caring for her infant
Fatigue from loss of sleep
Fears that she has become less attractive
The emotional letdown following the anticipation and excitement of delivery
❍ List some common symptoms of postpartum blues.
Transient feelings of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, irritable, and having trouble sleeping despite tiredness.
❍ What is the most common time frame for a woman to experience postpartum blues?
3 to 4 days postpartum.
❍ Postpartum depression is estimated to occur in what percentage of women?
10 to 15%.
❍ Postpartum depression may be associated with what types of symptoms?
Feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, decreased interest/pleasure in life, guilt, appetite change,
difficulty sleeping, decreased libido, suicidal or infanticidal thoughts, and agitation.
❍ What is the time frame for occurrence of postpartum depression?
Onset can occur anytime up to 6 months postpartum, with symptoms persisting for >2 weeks.
❍ What are risk factors for postpartum depression?
History of previous major depressive disorder, history of postpartum depression, family history of mood disorder,
marital discord, stressful life events occurring in the previous year, and lack of social support network.
❍ True or False: Adolescent women have an increased risk of postpartum depression.
True.
❍ True or False: Thyroid dysfunction should be considered in the differential of postpartum depression.
True. As with the initial evaluation of any depressive disorder, hypothyroidism should be considered as part of the
differential.
❍ What are risk factors for postpartum psychosis?
Personal or family history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder.
❍ Postpartum psychosis is estimated to occur in what percentage of women?
0.2%.