Women and Depression–

Mental illnesses affect women and men differently — some disorders are more common in women, and some express themselves with different symptoms.

Depression during Pregnancy–

Depression can be confusing for women when it occurs during pregnancy. They can’t figure out why they feel bad during a time when they should feel good. However, up to 10% of women will experience depression during pregnancy. The most likely women to have depression during pregnancy have a personal or family history of depression. While it was once thought that the high levels of and during pregnancy “protected” women from depression, more recent studies suggest that this is not the case. Pregnancy does not cause depressive symptoms to be more severe.

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Postpartum Depression–

The postpartum period is a time of extreme vulnerability to depression. Up to eighty percent of women experience a phenomenon called the “postpartum blues.” This is a brief period during which women are tearful or extremely sensitive and may be more moody. Sometimes sleep is a problem. The “blues” usually resolve without treatment within 1 to 2 weeks of giving birth.
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About twelve to fifteen percent of women develop postpartum depression. This involves more significant symptoms of depression which women begin to experience within a few days of giving birth, and may continue to experience for weeks or months following delivery. Rapidly changing hormones seem to play a role in sensitizing women to depression. The psychological changes involved in parenting a new infant, the physical stress of the birth, and lack of sleep may also play a role. Rarely, depression can progress to the point where women develop confused and disorganized thinking about themselves or the baby, hallucinate, or even consider suicide. Suicide or even infant homicides are the most catastrophic results when this disorder is not properly identified. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your health care provider immediately.
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Women who are most vulnerable to postpartum depression usually have a personal or family history of depression. Studies show that most women who experience major depression after childbirth have had prior episodes of depression even though they may not have been diagnosed or treated. Those with prior episodes of postpartum depression will experience a recurrence following the next delivery about half of the time. Single women, those in unsupportive relationships, and women with multiple children also may be more at risk.
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Premenstrual Dysphoria–

What is Premenstrual Dysphoria?

Many women experience some physical, emotional and behavioral changes associated with phases of their menstrual cycles. In some women, these changes are severe, occur regularly, and include depressed feelings, irritability, and other emotional and physical changes. These changes are referred to as (PMS) or (PMDD). These changes typically begin after ovulation and become gradually worse until menstruation starts.
————While many women report some history of premenstrual mood changes and physical symptoms, an estimated 3-4 % suffers severe symptoms that significantly interfere with work and social functioning. For these women, there appears to be an abnormal response to normal hormone changes. Researchers are studying what makes some women susceptible to PMDD, including differences in hormone sensitivity, history of other mood disorders, and individual differences in the brain. Women who are at risk for depression may be more vulnerable to the mood shifting effects of hormones.
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Menopause–

Why am I depressed?

Depression affects twice as many women as men. Midlife is often considered a period of increased risk for depression in women. It is not known why, but it may be related to having a personal or family history of depression, life stressors, and role changes. Menopause is often believed to be a time when women are more likely to become depressed. Studies actually show that depression is more likely to occur in the years during transition to, years. This period is associated with gradual declines in estrogen levels. Some studies suggest that changes in estrogen levels are associated with onset of depression.
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Books to Read on Postpartum Depression

Down Came the Rain By Brooke Shields

From The Publisher: ‘In this compelling memoir, Brooke Shields talks candidly about her experience with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter, and provides millions of women with an inspiring example of recovery’.

Available on Amazon.com: US$16.29

This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression

by Karen Kleiman and Valerie Raskin

A book for new moms suffering from Postpartum depression.

Available on Amazon.com: US$19.00

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This chapter explains the different types of depression women faces. Part C is intended to help you understand how and why drugs can be used as part of the treatment for a variety of depression.

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[Source: http://www.med.umich.edu]