Postpartum Depression
How this condition is diagnosed
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Medically reviewed by Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS on March 29, 2020
Postpartum Depression Diagnosis
In order to diagnose[15] postpartum depression, your healthcare provider will likely begin by asking about your signs and symptoms, including your emotions, thoughts, and overall mental health and well-being. This can help determine whether you are experiencing a short-term case of the baby blues or a more severe, chronic form of depression. When diagnosing postpartum depression, a healthcare provider will likely:- Perform a depression screening, which may include asking you to fill out a questionnaire about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences
- Conduct blood tests to determine whether a condition such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is causing your signs and symptoms
- Order further testing, if needed, to rule out other health conditions as possible causes of your symptoms
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