The diagnosis of postpartum depression is mainly based on medical history, psychiatric symptom examination, and a comprehensive consideration of the pattern of disease progression. The methods and criteria used for diagnosis are the same as those for depression in general.
According to the Chinese Classification and Diagnostic Criteria of Mental Disorders – Third Edition (CCMD-3), the diagnosis of depression is based on 4 main aspects: symptoms, severity, course and exclusion criteria. Regardless of the type of depression, the diagnostic criteria of depressive episode must be met first. The diagnostic criteria for depressive episodes are as follows: Depressive episodes are dominated by a depressed mood, which is not proportional to its situation and can range from sullenness to grief and even malaise. In severe cases, psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions may occur. Anxiety and motor agitation are significant in some cases.
1.Symptom criteria The main symptoms are depressed mood and at least four of the following: ① loss of interest, no sense of pleasure; ② loss of energy or fatigue; ③ psychomotor retardation or agitation; ④ low self-esteem, self-blame, or guilt; ⑤ difficulty in association or reduced ability to think; ⑥ recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal or self-injurious behavior; ⑦ sleep disorders, such as insomnia, early awakening, or excessive sleep; ⑧ appetite Reduced appetite or significant weight loss; ⑨ Reduced sexual desire.
2. Severity criteria: Impairment of social function, causing pain or adverse consequences to the person.
3.Progression criteria ①Meet the symptom criteria and severity criteria for at least two weeks; ②Some schizophrenic symptoms may exist, but do not meet the diagnosis of schizophrenia. If the symptom criteria of schizophrenia are also met, the depressive episode criteria are met for at least two weeks after the schizophrenic symptoms have resolved.
4. Exclusion criteria Exclude organic mental disorders, or depression due to psychoactive and non-addictive substances.
Mild depressive episodes meet the above criteria but have no or only mild impairment of social functioning.
In addition, the American classification system (DSM-IV) requires that the onset of depression be within 4 weeks after delivery.