Postpartum depression or PPD is a common problem that affects women within four weeks of childbirth. It is characterized by depression and affects approximately 13% of women who give birth. In the United States it affects about half a million women every year and can often develop into postpartum psychosis, characterized by delusional thinking.
Postpartum depression also affects about 10% of new fathers, as a result of which they have trouble taking care of themselves as well as their newborn child.
Almost half of all individuals with postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis are never diagnosed as such and this can sometimes lead to devastating consequences.