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Postpartum depression — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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EasyOB/GYN (prenatal care, contraception, screening)Postpartum depressionUSMLE Step 3

A 30-year-old woman is 8 weeks postpartum and reports persistent sadness, guilt, poor sleep unrelated to infant care, low energy, and loss of interest. Symptoms have lasted 5 weeks. She denies hallucinations or thoughts of harming herself or the infant. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: D — Postpartum depression

Depressive symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks postpartum with functional impairment indicate postpartum depression rather than transient postpartum blues.

Reference: ACOG Perinatal Mental Health Screening Guidance