A post-natal mother who delivered 2 days back presents with increased tearfulness and sleeplessness. No features of anhedonia, suicidal thoughts or lack of interest present. Most probable diagnosis:
Correct Answer: Postpartum blues
Description: C i.e. Postpartum bluesRef: Kaplan and Saddock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th edition and Short Textbook of Psychiatry, 7th editionExplanation:Psychological disturbances unique for women are:Related to mensesPremenstrual dysphoric disorder,Postmenopausal syndrome.Related to pregnancyAnxiety.Depression.Related to deliveryPostpartum blues,Postpartum depression,Postpartum psychosis.The above question deals with postpartum psychological problems.Postpartum bluesMild form.Characterized by occasional sadness/tearfulness.No other significant mood/psychotic/behavioral symptoms present.No significant disturbance in sleep, appetite, activities of daily living.Treatment is psychotherapy (reassurance and monitoring for symptoms).Postpartum depressionModerate form.Characterized by:Sadness, loss of interest in previous pleasurable activities (anhedonia).Easy fatigability, feeling of worthless/hopeless/helpless/guilt.Suicidal ideas/attempt, decreased appetite and sleep.Depending on the severity, psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, ECT, may be needed.Postpartum psychosisSevere form.Characterized by psychotic symptoms (hallucination, delusion, and disorganized speech/behaviour).This condition needs treatment as inpatient basis with pharmacotherapy +- ECT.DDs for postpartum psychosis: Delirium (mostly related to events like eclampsia, hemorrhage, thrombosis, especially cortical vein thrombosis and Sheehan syndrome-postpartum pituitary gland necrosis).
Category:
Psychiatry
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now