Many women experience some mild letdown of mood in the postpartum period, however, the postpartum depression is more severe. There may be obsessive thoughts about inability to care for the baby. Mood Disorders Secondary to Illness and Drugs . Hormonal variations can play a role in some depressions. Alcohol dependency often coexists with depression.
Some medications can cause depression.
Differential Diagnosis must be made since depression has many causes. Attention must be given to personal life adjustment problems, medications, and medical illnesses. Treatment depends on the underlying causes, family history, and past personal history of prior episodes. Treatment consists of counseling with or without medications.