Postpartum bipolar depression: a case study

This case study of a 29-year-old married woman with postpartum bipolar depression demonstrates the importance of an accurate differential diagnosis when evaluating a patient presenting with symptoms of postpartum depression.

Although many of the signs and symptoms of unipolar depression and bipolar depression are identical, there are some important differences. Careful evaluation of symptoms and a thorough psychiatric history leads to accurate diagnosis and successful treatment outcomes.

All women presenting with postpartum depression should be screened for bipolar disorder as the treatment of bipolar depression differs substantially from unipolar depression.