Postpartum Depression Evaluation & Treatment in California
What Is Postpartum Depression?
The term perinatal depression refers to depression that occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth. Depression that develops after childbirth is commonly called postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is more than simply “feeling down,” and it does not mean that someone does not love their baby or is not suited to being a parent. It can affect mood, thinking, sleep, appetite, energy, relationships, and the ability to function day to day.
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people experience prominent sadness, while others may be more affected by anxiety, irritability, insomnia, intense self-criticism, or difficulty feeling emotionally connected to their baby.
Postpartum Depression vs. the “Baby Blues”
What Are Common Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?
Possible symptoms include:
Having one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean you have postpartum depression. Sleep deprivation, medical conditions, thyroid or other physiologic factors, medications, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions can cause overlapping symptoms. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Intrusive Thoughts vs. Intent to Harm the Baby
Some postpartum patients experience unwanted, intrusive thoughts that feel frightening or distressing, such as a sudden image of the baby being harmed. These thoughts can occur with postpartum anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and are not the same as wanting to harm the baby. They should still be discussed openly with a clinician so the symptoms and actual safety risk can be assessed. If there is intent to harm, a specific plan, hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion, or an inability to keep yourself or the baby safe, emergency evaluation is needed.
| Comparison | Intrusive Thoughts | Intent to Harm the Baby |
|---|---|---|
| What it feels like | Unwanted, upsetting thoughts or images that may feel frightening or disturbing | A genuine desire or intention to harm the baby |
| How the person feels about it | Usually causes fear, guilt, anxiety, or distress because the thought feels unwanted | The person may feel willing, driven, or compelled to act on the thought |
| Can it happen postpartum? | Yes. Intrusive thoughts can occur with postpartum anxiety or OCD | Yes, but it is a serious safety concern that requires urgent assessment |
| Does the thought mean the person wants to act on it? | Not necessarily. An intrusive thought is not the same as intent | Intent means there is an actual desire, plan, or risk of acting |
| What clinicians assess | How often the thoughts occur, how distressing they are, whether they feel unwanted, and whether there is any actual safety risk | Whether there is intent, a specific plan, hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion, or inability to keep the baby or oneself safe |
| What to do | Discuss the thoughts openly with a qualified mental health professional for proper assessment | Seek urgent or emergency evaluation |
When Should You Consider a Professional Evaluation?
Consider a mental health evaluation if:
What Does a Postpartum Depression Evaluation at Insight Choices Consider?
Postpartum mental health concerns should not be diagnosed from one symptom or one screening score alone. An evaluation considers the broader clinical picture and is individualized to the patient.
How Is Postpartum Depression Treated?
Postpartum depression is treatable. The most appropriate treatment depends on symptom severity, health history, co-occurring conditions, breastfeeding status, prior treatment response, and personal preferences.