Is 15 months too late to be considered "postpartum"? (UPDATED)

nestinginjapan

...in regards to PP depression and other mood disorders?

I have an appt. with my doctor next week to discuss some symptoms of anxiety that I've been having the last couple months, including panic attacks. I know there's an actual "postpartum anxiety disorder" but it seems like if this is what this is, it would have started before LO turned 1. Just curious what you think.

I know that PP depression and anxiety can go hand in hand ... has anyone experienced this? How did your dr. diagnose the problem? Were you referred to a counselor or did you have lab work done to eliminate other physical causes? I don't know what to expect from my appt. next week!

TIA

ladipale

actually, it can be PP anxiety/depression up to one year after weaning.

I was diagnosed originally with PPD, then anxiety and OCD were added.  

I was diagnosed at my 2 week postpartum check up by my OB, then referred to a therapist and eventually a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist diagnosed me with general anxiety, not just postpartum anxiety. This was all done by talking, I never had bloodwork. It was pretty classic PPD/PTSD that sparked the whole thing.

Check out postpartumprogress blog (google it, can't remember the exact address) it has lots of good info.

mrs.mastro

I just popped over to this board for the same question.  I am actually having more typical PPD symtoms like getting upset with DS.  Up until lately I've been able to deal with night wakings, napping issues, tantrums, etc. pretty calmly, but the past month or so I've just been getting frustrated to tears at times.  We're in the middle of a long weaning process, so maybe that's what's triggering it.

snickerdoodle27

My dr told me it can happen up to 18 months after you have your baby. So yes, it could be PPD. It's good you made an appt!

nestinginjapan

update on my appt. yesterday:

overall it went went. It turns out my doctor herself had panic attacks all through medical school so she was very sympathetic.

She told me about some herbal remedies that work for some people, including passion flower (has anyone ever taken this?) She also prescribed an actual drug just in case, but I don't think I'll take it. She said most people feel better just having it in their purse for a worst case scenario.

She also suggested exercising more than usual, adding yoga, meditation and deep breathing to my routine, taking plenty of omega 3-s (fish oil) and adding a women's multi-vitamin to my diet (because the B vitamins can supposedly help).

Lastly, although she doesn't think this is the issue, she ordered a couple lab tests just to rule out a thyroid problem, as anxiety can sometimes be the only symptom of a postpartum thyroid issue. I'm a little nervous about this one, obviously, because needles are not my friend and it's just asking for a panic attack  

Anyway, thought that might help for anyone who's going through something similar.