Is PPD biological, psychological or hormonal?
All three factors appear to be involved. Biologically, hormones seem to play a part in causing PPD. Sometimes women develop a thyroid problem after giving birth, or may have a family history of depression. Women with PPD may also suffer from a neurochemical imbalance, most often involving serotonin, a brain chemical involved in regulating mood and behavior. Social and psychological issues such as the infant-mother relationship, changes in the marriage, relationships with other family members and career and work may also play a role. No matter what causes a particular woman’s postpartum depression, treatment is effective and available, and she should not hesitate to seek help and speak to her healthcare provider.
