Published: Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 12:01 a.m. Last Modified: Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 12:00 a.m.

WINTER HAVEN | Postpartum depression is far deeper and more dangerous than what’s frequently referred to as “baby blues.”

Facts QUICK CHECK

Is it baby blues, postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis?BABY BLUESMany women have the baby blues in the days after childbirth. Symptoms include:Having mood swings.Feeling sad, anxious or overwhelmed.Having crying spells.Losing your appetite.Having trouble sleeping.The baby blues usually go away within a few days or a week. POSTPARTUM DEPRESSIONSymptoms last longer and are more severe. Postpartum depression can start any time within the first year after childbirth. In addition to symptoms listed under baby blues, you could experience:Thoughts of hurting the baby.Thoughts of hurting yourself.Not having any interest in the baby.Postpartum depression needs to be treated by a doctor. POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSISOccurs in one to four of every 1,000 births, usually starting the first two weeks after childbirth. Women with bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder have a higher risk of postpartum psychosis. Symptoms may include:Trying to hurt yourself or your baby.seeing things that aren’t there.Feeling confused.Having rapid mood swings.Postpartum psychosis needs to be treated by a doctor. Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health

“It is a very devastating disease,” said Dr. George Winny, psychiatrist and medical director of Winter Haven Hospital Center for Behavioral Health. “It is horrible for people to go through.”

Nurses at Regency Center for Women and Infants, where WHH has its childbirth unit, do depression screening with female patients who are there to give birth.

“If the score is high, they call us for ?consulting,” Winny said. “I have seen many cases of postpartum depression over the years.”

Postpartum depression and a much rarer condition, postpartum psychosis, came to Polk County residents’ attention this month with the death of 1-year-old Ishan Patel of Lakeland.

He drowned and had blunt force trauma on his face, according to autopsy results.

His mother, Neha Patel, 32, is charged with first-degree murder. Authorities said she suffered severe postpartum depression and had threatened suicide in the past.

Untreated, Winny said, the condition interferes with a mother’s inability to take care of and bond with her baby.

About 10 percent to 15 percent of women develop that condition after giving birth, said Dr. Latamia White-Green, a psychiatrist at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

Such women aren’t able to take care of themselves or their babies, leading to feelings of being worthless, irritability, agitation and exhaustion beyond the normal stress of having a newborn. They need treatment by a doctor, White-Green said.

“The stress of caring for a newborn can take a toll,” Winny said. “You may feel overwhelmed and anxious about your ability to take care of the baby.”

In a small number of cases — fewer than 5 of every 1,000 births — the mother’s mental condition goes beyond postpartum depression into postpartum psychosis. Symptoms can include trying to hurt herself or the baby, seeing things that aren’t there, feeling confused and having rapid mood swings.

The difficulty for families and friends, as well as the mother, is determining when feelings are normal baby blues or something more serious.

Anywhere from 55 percent to 85 percent of women are likely to have some short-term baby blues, more accurately called an adjustment disorder, White-Green said.

Mood swings, crying, feeling sad or overwhelmed and other emotional reactions can occur during that period as the body goes through hormonal adjustments, she and Winny agreed.

If women or their family members feel the depression goes beyond baby blues, particularly if it interferes with the mother-child relationship, both psychiatrists advise them to call their doctors before the scheduled six-week check-up.

Too often, they’re reluctant to do that, said Teresa even, mental health therapist with Peace River Center.

“People feel they should be able to control it,” she said. “I spend a lot of time doing education on brain chemicals (and mental disorders).”

Teenage mothers are at greater risk of postpartum depression, as are mothers whose babies are born prematurely or with developmental problems.

In the case of Ishan Patel, the Lakeland baby killed, he was premature and spent months at Tampa General Hospital.

Other mothers at greater risk are those whose pregnancies are unplanned, who lack an adequate support system or who already have depression.

Cultural factors also can play a role.

“In India, women are not very vocal in talking about their feelings,” said Winny, a native of India who practiced there before coming to the United States.

“We used to see a lot of anxiety disorders,” he said, but added that in India there is likely to be more family support.

“Your mother or mother-in-law might help take care of your baby there,” he said. “Here you are living with your husband and child.”

White-Green, who is African-American, said her cultural experience is that “it’s really frowned upon to be out of the house until three or four weeks after the birth.”

Isolation can increase symptoms of depression, she said, encouraging women to ask for help with child care or housework and find ways to take care of themselves. Something as simple as a hairdo or manicure may help improve mood.

Winny offers this advice for significant others of any culture to follow in the days and weeks after a child is born:

“Listen to her without judging her or offering solutions, without trying to fix things. Simply be there.”

Volunteer to help with childcare and housework without waiting for her to ask, he said. Encourage her to exercise.

[ Robin Williams Adams can be reached at or 863-802-7558. Read her blog at robinsrx.blogs.theledger.com. Follow on Twitter @ ledgerROBIN. ]

The testimony came as Shenkman’s lawyer, Hugh Keefe of New Haven, began presenting evidence that he hopes will convince jurors that Shenkman was not guilty by reason of insanity for the events of July 7, 2009.

The Hartford Hospital physicians examined Shenkman at about 12:30 p.m. on July 8, 2009, about 12 hours after he arrived at Hartford Hospital. He’d been taken there for treatment after suffering superficial burns and other injuries in the standoff, which ended the previous midnight.

Dr. David Pepper told jurors that Shenkman told him he was hearing voices, that he felt persecuted by police and his ex-wife Nancy Tyler, that he felt hopeless and helpless and believed it would be OK if police killed him. on a scale of 1 to 100, Pepper rated Shenkman a 15 and said he had “severe impairment.”

After examining and interviewing Shenkman for about an hour, Pepper diagnosed Shenkman as having psychosis. he could not say, however, what brought it on, but said he could not rule out severe depression or bipolar disorder and suggested doctors handling his care later examine those possibilities.

Dr. Harold I. Schwartz, chief of psychiatry at Hartford Hospital and the affiliated Institute of Living, supervised Pepper’s examination and participated at points, he testified.

He agreed with the conclusion that Shenkman was psychotic and noted that at times be seemed to respond to the voices he said he was hearing.

“He reported the hallucination to be of his ex-wife’s voice … telling him that it would be OK,” Schwartz told the jury. there was another voice, Schwartz said, that was telling Shenkman to kill himself.

Shenkman was also paranoid and believed that police were going to kill him, Schwartz testified.

The doctors judged him to be a high risk for suicide.

During cross-examination, prosecutor Vicki Melchiorre worked to convince jurors that Shenkman faked the symptoms of mental illness in an effort to keep himself out of jail.

“People feign mental illness for specific reasons, yes?” Melchiorre asked. yes, Pepper answered.

“Is one avoidance of jail?” she asked. “Yes,” Pepper responded.

As to the view that Shenkman was extremely suicidal, Melchiorre asked Pepper and Schwartz if they knew Shenkman had in his possession a loaded handgun for 15 hours the previous day. they did not.

If Pepper thought Shenkman was lying, Keefe asked, would he have made a note of that on Shenkman’s record. Pepper said he would have. when Keefe asked if Pepper had made such a notation, Pepper said he had not.

FDA has issued a Safety Announcement warning that serious allergic reactions have been reported with the use of the antipsychotic medication asenapine maleate (Saphris).

Saphris was approved in August 2009 and is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The Contraindications, Warnings and Precautions, Adverse Reactions, and Patient Counseling Information sections of the Saphris drug label have been revised to include information about this risk and to inform healthcare professionals that Saphris should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug.

A search of FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) database identified 52 cases of type 1 hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions) with Saphris use. Hypersensitivity reactions can be classified into 4 categories (type 1 to type 4). Signs and symptoms of type 1 hypersensitivity reactions may include anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction), angioedema (swelling of the deeper layers of the skin), low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, swollen tongue, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or rash. These signs and symptoms are consistent with the reactions reported in the 52 cases. several cases reported multiple hypersensitivity reactions occurring at the same time, with some of these reactions occurring after the first dose of Saphris.

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the risk of hypersensitivity reactions with Saphris and counsel patients who are receiving the drug about how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Saphris should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug.

Patients should seek emergency medical attention immediately if they develop any signs and symptoms of a serious allergic reaction while taking Saphris.

I have been told, by peers, that I seem to have bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, and multiple personality disorder. what are the symptoms for these mental problems?

I also hear little voices in my head that are constantly arguing with each other, no matter what I try to do to stop them.

I don't know if this is relevant either, but today in class I was reading a book, and a few people were staring at me. I started having a panic attack and crying. what could this be?

Peers cannot diagnose, especially if they aren't inside of your head.

If you want a proper diagnosis, talk to a psychiatrist or – better yet – therapist.
Especially if you hear voices, you'll want to seek some psychological assistance. if you don't know where to start or how to get help, start with seeing your doctor. They can recommend steps from there.

For clearer definitions, you should google each disorder individually, but:
Bipolar disorder has several types, but basically means that you go through severe mood swings. Highs and lows. I have bipolar type II, and I also have hallucinations and panic attacks without medication. but you'd also have to have severe ups and downs.
I don't know much about ADHD, but you would have trouble paying attention, and even reading a book would be difficult. you don't seem to have that.
Schizophrenia is likely, but schizophrenics have trouble expressing emotion. not many cry.

Definitely seek assistance.
This should be more than a curiousity.
If you get proper medication, you can live a relatively normal life.

Good luck<3

Bipolar disorder – Periods of mania that last at least 4 days but usually last for months, symptoms of mania include insomnia, loads of excess energy, risky behaviours, hypersexuality, increased spending, etc.

Periods of depression, symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness or doom, suicidal ideation, loss of intrest in activities that once help pleasure, over sleeping, increase/decrease in appetite.

ADHD – I dont know alot about but i hear its very similar to the manic phase of bipolar disorder

Schizophrnia – Hallucinations, such as hearing voices – real voices, not voices in your head but voices that you cannot tell arent real if you had your eyes closed.

Delusions – false ideas, so believing people are out to get you or that you know someone famous etc.

there are several other symptoms of schizophrenia that mimic those of depression.

Multiple personality disorder,, also known as DID – sufferfer is usually unaware of other personalities, will have periods of blank memory, must have suffered repeat, severe trauma to develop DID.

I cannot stress how HIGHLY unlikely it is you have all these disorders although you may well have one, or somethign else you havnt even considered like schizoaffective disorder. However the only person how will ever be able to tell you for sure is a psychiatrist – go and see one if you are worried, best of luck!

Look it up in a DSM.
I am no doctor, I'm just a teen who's kind of obsessed with psychology. To me, it sounds like you COULD have Schitzoaffective Disorder. It's a mix of a mood disorder (bipolar) and a psychotic disorder (schitzophernia). Multiple personality disorder, I'm not too sure, but I don't think that's an actual condition. It's a symptom, usually of schitzophernia.

Bipolar- allpsych.com/disorders/mood/bipolar.html

Schitzophernia- allpsych.com/disorders/psychotic/schizophrenia.html

Schitzoaffective- allpsych.com/disorders/psychotic/schizoaffective.html

See a psychiatrist.

You didn't mention your age. I just read an article, the link is below. Check it out, see if anything sounds like what you are experiencing. have you talked with anyone about this? Maybe your parents, a close friend, or a councelor at school? Maybe you should check with your doctor. They may be able to help you figure out what is going on. The sooner you find out, the better things will be. it seems there are a lot of people with similar feelings, so don't feel alone.

I hav multiple personality disorder.. but i dont think im bipoler,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I cry alot and have anxiety and panic attacks but still!

Bi polar disorder – Is a mood disorder. The sufferers goes through periods of mania and periods of depression. These episodes of mania and depression may last a few days to a few weeks. There might be periods of feeling normal in between. The Mania is very severe it is not like hyperactivity it is like a level of hyperactivity that is beyond human. The sufferer will talk non stop and may loose their sense of reality, will do and say uncontrollable things like beating someone up, or spending their life savings in one afternoon. The depression is also severe.

ADHD – Is a behavioral disorder. The sufferer has a very short attention span and can't concentrate for long, is hyperactive and constantly moving and fidgeting and has poor impulse control and does not consider the consequences of their actions or inhibit their behavior. To be diagnosed with ADHD you have to have had it your whole life, it does not appear in later childhood or teen years also it is present all day every day no sporadically like Bi Polar.

Schizophrenia – Is a psychotic disorder which means the sufferer loses touch with reality. They usually don't know they have the disorder. They may have delusions that people are trying to kill them or read their mind or something and can have hallucinations which means they see and/or hear things that aren't there. They can't stay on one train of thought, they may skip from one thought to another and make no sense.

Multiple personality disorder is actually called dissociative identity disorder. in this disorder the sufferer has two or more (often more) totally different identities, changing from one to the other at various times. each identity is often unaware of the other identities and they think they are the only one, but there are big chunks of life missing from their memories.

panic attacks are a separate disorder on their own.

Getting certain points about bipolar disorder symptoms will not be convenient but we have now accumulated really helfpul and also useful ideas about the common matter, with the final aim of assisting you out. Even if your search constitutes about additional related knowledge, just like bipolar disorder symptoms, the following content article will turn out beneficial, to say the least.

If you are ever going to survive the bipolar disorder you suffer from, you have to be able to identify its symptoms without outside or professional help. this is critical to your treatment or ever getting better. the time will come when no one can be with you, and at that time, your knowledge of the symptoms may be what saves you.

When you suffer from bipolar disorder and remain untreated, you may have as few as four episodes of mania or depression over any ten-year period, but they will likely be very severe. that is why you cannot neglect the symptoms as you gradually begin to recognize them. And they are there too, so you want to notice them and take the appropriate steps.

If you are having trouble identifying the symptoms of bipolar disorder, you may want to begin by taking a look first at mania, and then at major depression. Understanding these two, not as extremes of bipolar disorder, but as individual mental conditions, can help you come to terms with the symptoms of your own disease.

Can you see how much you can learn about information related to bipolar disorder symptoms when you take a little time to read a well-researched article like this? Don’t miss out on the rest of this great information as it will provide you more useful tips.

The ‘rapid-cycling’ kind of bipolar disorder has all the symptoms of both extremes of the disorder virtually falling over themselves for your attention. this happens in better five and fifteen percent of all cases of the disease. Whereas under normal circumstances, you may suffer cycles four times in ten years, this time it all happens in a single year!

You have to understand bipolar disorder; otherwise you will never be able to deal with it the way it needs to be deal with. And it does not matter that you are the patient or their friend; what counts it that you are involved. Whatever it costs you, learn about the symptoms of it, and see that you are able to take a helping stand as the crises set in. as they always say – no knowledge is ever wasted. And this is very true when it comes to health conditions like this.

This content website has several other quality as well as important articles, advice written not just about bipolar disorder symptoms but also those somewhat related to bipolar disorder symptoms. Take time to go through our several other countless and also really educational writings and you’re sure to believe that this is certainly one article directory of repute worth visiting again and one which is worth informing your buddies, workfellows, uncles and aunts and even well-wishers about.

This awesomely gifted author also focuses on revealing information on the subject of top rated push mowers and even the best 5 electric mowers at TigerFDN.com/.

In women with bipolar disorder, premenstrual mood changes are associated with more depressive episodes and more severe symptoms, researchers have found.

The findings from the study of nearly 300 women offer evidence that premenstrual flare-ups of mood symptoms may be a clinical marker predicting greater severity of bipolar disorder in reproductive-age women, said Dr. Rodrigo Dias and colleagues at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The bipolar women with pre-mentrual mood changes had more episodes of depression and worse symptoms the following year, compared with bipolar women without premenstrual mood changes, the researchers found.

The study is published in the Feb. 15 online edition of the American Journal of Psychiatry.

Through their action on the central nervous system, estrogen and other reproductive hormones influence mood, the researchers explained. the time period following childbirth and the menopause transition are also times when women with bipolar disorder are more vulnerable to relapse.

In general, the way fluctuating hormone levels influence mood may result in greater mood instability among these patients, the study authors noted.

“The results reinforce the importance of identifying mood fluctuations across the menstrual cycle in women with bipolar disorder,” Dias said in a journal news release. “The women with premenstrual mood changes may benefit from more intensive monitoring. the value of antidepressants isn’t clear, since on the one hand, these women were less likely to be taking antidepressants and might have benefited from them. But on the other hand, antidepressants can trigger manic symptoms in bipolar patients.”

The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about bipolar disorder.

Copyright © 2011 HealthDay. all rights reserved.

Robert Preidt

I know there is something mentally wrong with em but I'm not sure which it could be i know depression runs in my family but ive questioned if being bi polar does too my uncle killed himself because of it and my moms on medication for her depression. but i am wondering what the symptoms of both are so maybe I can get my problem more on the butt.

the question was kind all over the place but i understood it. here a couple of resources you could look at
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_dis…
helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_diso…

Generally speaking, depression it's insanely over diagnosed these days. some are legitimately sad sometimes, and there's nothing wrong with that. as far as symptoms for depression goes, people can be very consistently unhappy, always very tired/restless, do not eat enough or eat too much, and can be quite antisocial just to name a few. People who are bipolar (my faves) are very pleasant to be around for a bit and then their mood will change very quickly into something not as pleasant. A lot of people diagnose themselves though.

My best advice to you is to try to live your life naturally.
If you start to think about suicide, just don't do it.
When people take antidepressants, it can also compromise any moments of extreme happiness you could have.
Some people are just not very happy most of the time, but another word for this is a pessimist, and that's not depression.

Can psychiatrists help you? Are there any cures in psychiatry today?
Check it for yourself – hear it from interviewed psychiatrists.

5 minutes video

youtube.com/watch?v=UHu7Ik361…

50 sec public announcement
cchr.org/#/videos/prescriptio…

Is there any difference in how diagnosis are made in medicine and psychiatry?
Check it for yourself. 2 minutes video.

youtube.com/watch?v=n3JQ8OVHV…

Author: Christine CrottsSource: isnare.com

There are several types of mental disorders that affect millions of people every day. a disorder can affect anyone and can be any number of things that can happen in his life is present. the nature of the disease is usually diagnosed the cause and symptoms that a person experiences with a family history of mental illness. In this article you will learn more about some laws, but not all types of mental disorders and the common anxiety disorder symptoms.An is a type of disorder that is associated with unpleasant and overwhelming psychological tension or anxiety that has no identifiable cause. these concerns may have a panic attack in some people suffering from anxiety disorders. People who have an anxiety disorder symptoms also may worry excessively worries about a situation that leads to unrealistic fears and the fear of future panic attacks. People, bipolar, with this type of mental disorder, have trouble sleeping and may lose or gain weight suddenly change their eating habits. if a panic attack occurs, you may experience tremors, dizziness and the feeling that you may be weak. In addition, numbness and tingling along with a rapid heartbeat, sweating, cold clammy hands are symptoms of an anxiety disorder attack.probably one of the most common disorders is depression. At some point, everyone feels sad or depressed, but a person who can not get out of his depression in a few weeks may suffer from depression. Some symptoms of depression may have a real change in eating habits, loss of pleasure in things you normally enjoy, and a loss of energy to be. In this type of mental disorder, you may feel a sense of hopelessness and futility. the indecision and inability to concentrate may be symptoms of depression.other types of disorders are childhood disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). all of these mental disorders are looking for different symptoms, but some of the symptoms are similar to those associated with depression. there are several other disorders, except those that are mentioned in this article. if you or someone you know has suffered the symptoms of a mental disorder, consult a physician of experience is very important. Any change in behavior, eating habits, sleeping habits, work performance or social models of warning signs that must be addressed. the earlier a disorder recognized and treated, the easier it will resume a normal lifestyle.Determining if someone, bipolar, is actually a mental disorder can be difficult and can sometimes be overlooked. because the symptoms of depression are similar to symptoms of various other mental disorders, many people believe that there is only one phase or the feeling that it will leave on their own. it is interesting to note that doctors sometimes miss a diagnosis of mental disorder, either as a physical problem or a medical illness on the similarity of symptoms. E 'is therefore very important to consult your doctor and to be honest is to answer the medical questions.

Christine Crotts has as many pairs of gloves as some people have pairs of shoes. Christine has written a site containing reviews on pink leather gloves, as well as white leather gloves.

As Reported by Patrick Crutcher

Repligen Corporation (NASDAQ: RGEN) is another attractive biotech that has revenues, cash and pending data in early 2011. with pending Phase 2 and Phase 3 data, Repligen seems set for a transformative 2011.

Specifically, they have 2 important clinical catalysts in Q1 2011: Phase 3 data for RG1068 (pancreatic imaging agent) and Phase 2b data for their bipolar drug (RG2417). Both of these catalysts have the potential to take RGEN to new levels in 2011.

Phase 2a results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the symptoms of depression in patients receiving RG2417 (vs. placebo) on the MADRS and on the CGI-BP-C scale over the 6-week course of the study. RG2417 was safe and well tolerated. Repligen has exclusively licensed this patent from McLean Hospital, the largest psychiatric facility of Harvard Medical School. RGEN intends on seeking a partner, since this drug has a potential $2 billion market. Positive results from this trial could result in significant appreciation of their value. Enrollment is complete in this trial and most clinical work should be done by the end of the year. Results are expected in early Q1 2011.another catalyst to look forward to in Q1 2011 is the re-analysis of images from their Phase 3 results RG1068 in Pancreatic Imaging. RG1068 is a synthetic version of human secretin, a natural gastrointestinal hormone involved in the process of digestion. RG1068 was granted orphan drug status and fast track designation by the FDA. The use of RG1068 in combination with a non-invasive procedure such as MRI can improve the detection of abnormalities and increase the diagnostic quality of the MRI image of the pancreas. last year, they reported results from a large, multicenter study that showed significant advantages of using RG1068 with MRI over endoscopy(ERCP) alone, however, the study did not show statistical significance. this was in large part because of errors made by the contract research organization(CRO) during the analysis of trial data, namely, deviating from the trial protocol. Fortunately for Repligen, the FDA and EMA recognized these issues and agreed to have the Phase 3 re-read of the data.

I used to (the last several years) over eat and sleep all the time, but these last few weeks I'm hardly eating at all (once every day or two) and not sleeping for 3 days at a time. I used to have no energy and could stare at the ceiling all day, now I am still tired all the time but extremely restless and can't sit still. I am not undergoing any treatment or taking meds at this time. why would symptoms flip like that?

Possibly bipolar disease – manic depression?

because depression isn't a stable thing it changes over time unless it is treated get help

Are you showing any other signs, like shopping to much are just doing things out of the ordinary? You could be Manic Depressive. I would see a specialist and get on some meds.

Could be something like a hormonal or chemical change, or a change in your enviroment. Depression is such a strange illness. if you have experienced such a strong change in symptons, you really should seek outside help.

You need to hook up with a mental health clinic.

For one, depression is due to an imbalance in brain chemistry, so if you're not on meds, it's not going to get better.

If you can't find anything in the phone book, call 1-800-SUICIDE and they'll hook you up with local resources.

Why do people see depression as an illness. Can't it be just how you feel? That's what is wrong with today's society, "just pop a pill in your mouth and everything will be o.k.. I just don't get depression. I am depressed but I see the only cure being myself. I have to take control of my life and try to become happier. what if that chemical imbalance is set off by your thoughts? just think positive and it will go away.

Please see your physician as soon as possible. i wonder if you have an endocrine problem such as your thyroid could be off kelter. Go this route first.
Good luck.