Shala has recently given birth to an 8-pound baby boy. The birth was celebrated by both sides of the family and little William was the pride of all involved. Six weeks after giving birth, Shala had regained her physical stamina but continued to experience the "baby blues." As time passed, she began to have upsetting thoughts about her child. As she became more and more withdrawn from those around her, she wished she had never given birth and felt profound sadness and isolation. Which of the following best captures this syndrome?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described in the scenario are consistent with peripartum depression, which encompasses depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy or within the first year after giving birth. The symptoms include sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, and sometimes thoughts of harming the baby or self. Choice A is incorrect because cyclothymic reaction is more related to bi-polar symptoms. Choice C is incorrect because postpartum dysphoria is a milder and brief form of mood change experienced by up to 80% of new moms in the first few days after delivery. Choice D is incorrect because the symptoms described last for a few weeks rather than a few hours or days, which is more indicative of transient dysphoric reaction.

Shala Has Recently Given Birth to an 8-Pound Baby Boy