PPD

3 synonyms for PPD, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Abbreviation — Postpartum depression: a serious and lasting depression that develops after childbirth, involving persistent low mood, anxiety and difficulty bonding with the baby.

Synonyms

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

postnatal depression tuberculin skin test Mantoux test

Synonyms by Meaning

1. abbreviation medical

Postpartum depression: a serious and lasting depression that develops after childbirth, involving persistent low mood, anxiety and difficulty bonding with the baby.

“She was diagnosed with PPD three months after giving birth.”

postnatal depression

2. abbreviation medical

Purified protein derivative: the substance injected under the skin in the standard tuberculosis test, and the test itself.

“All new staff must have a PPD placed and read within 72 hours.”

tuberculin skin test Mantoux test

How to use PPD

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

diagnosed with PPD screened for PPD PPD test PPD skin test

Sense 1 dominates general use and parenting discussion; senses 2 and 3 are confined to clinical and commercial settings.

Etymology

An initialism; each sense abbreviates a different phrase.

Full origin of PPD →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between PPD and the baby blues?

The baby blues are common, mild and short-lived — tearfulness and mood swings in the first week or two that resolve on their own. Postpartum depression is more severe, lasts weeks or months, interferes with daily functioning, and needs treatment. If symptoms persist beyond about two weeks, it is worth speaking to a doctor.

How long after birth can PPD start?

It most often appears within the first few weeks, but it can begin any time in the first year after birth, and sometimes during pregnancy. Onset is not limited to the immediate aftermath of delivery.

What does a PPD test check for?

It checks whether your immune system has previously encountered tuberculosis bacteria. A small amount of purified protein derivative is injected under the skin and the reaction is measured after 48 to 72 hours. A positive result means exposure, not necessarily active disease.

Nearby words

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