Social stressors can also add to the risk such as age especially very young mothers. According to some studies, the rate of PPD in adolescent mothers can reach as high as 48% (Driscoll, 2006). Mothers who are single or lack support are also at a greater risk as well as those who may be dealing with marital dysfunction, unplanned pregnancy, or financial distress (Murray & McKinney, 2010). Evidence also suggests that women who develop PPD tend to get less sleep overall than women who do not, and that worsening fatigue greatly increased the severity of depressed symptoms. It is interesting to note that women with PPD were awakened more frequently during the night than were women who did not have the disorder (Murray & McKinney, 2010).
Symptoms of PPD often include anxiety, guilt, agitation, fatigue, irritability, decreased mental focus and inability to make decisions. Changes in eating habits are common whether loss of appetite, or overeating. Disinterest in self, infant and family, persistent depression, crying, suicidal ideation, and apathy are also significant characteristics. Somatic symptoms are often present as physical manifestations such as complaints of headaches, chronic pain, severe anxiety, and changes in bowel habits (Driscoll, 2006). .
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A parent suffering from PPD impacts the entire family. Depression is often associated with difficulties in relationships, worsening of disharmony within the family, and an increase in stressors already present. Decreased libido that is common in the depression negatively impacts relationships with significant others, and rifts are caused in relationships when one partner suddenly becomes less engaged. Children are negatively impacted as well, both developmentally and emotionally by the detachment of a depressed parent. Behavioral problems are more often prevalent in children of severely depressed parents along with delayed speech and language skills (Murray & McKinney, 2010).