A woman experiences recurrent thoughts of suicide, great sadness, and sleep disturbance. These symptoms began a week after she gave birth and have lasted more than six months. The woman is experiencing:
A) the "baby blues."
B) postpartum psychosis.
C) hormone withdrawal syndrome.
D) postpartum depression.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The woman is experiencing postpartum depression, which is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and thoughts of self-harm that last for more than two weeks after giving birth. Hormone withdrawal syndrome and the "baby blues" are temporary and typically resolve within a few weeks after delivery. Postpartum psychosis is a rare and severe condition that involves delusions, hallucinations, and manic or psychotic behavior, and requires immediate medical attention.

A Woman Experiences Recurrent Thoughts of Suicide, Great Sadness, and Sleep