What Are Current Treatments for Postpartum Depression?

Discussion Postpartum depression affects 10 to 20% of women after delivery, but less than half of these women are detected. Postpartum depression is defined as major depressive episodes with symptom onset during pregnancy or in the first four weeks following delivery. There is recognition that symptoms may begin later after delivery but the mother would not be diagnosed with PPD. PPD is distinct from postpartum blues which occur in 50 to 80% of new mothers. They occur within 1 to 2 days of delivery and resolve within 10-14 days of delivery. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, irritability, tearfulness, poor sleep, and appetite. Postpartum psychosis is a rare but extremely serious condition that occurs within 1 to 4 weeks after delivery and carries a high risk of infanticide and maternal suicide. Symptoms include “…delusions, hallucinations, severe and rapid mood swings, sleep disturbances, and obsessive preoccupation about the baby.” Women who experience termination or loss of pregnancy or neonatal death may also have bereavement and experience symptoms such as grief, poor appetite and sleep which may look like PPD. Risk factors for PPD include: previous depression including PPD, anxiety, relationship problems with partner, inadequate or absent home support, ongoing life stresses, low socioeconomic status, adolescent mother, preterm delivery, substance abuse (alcohol, tobacco, other medications or illicit drugs), and possibly depressive symptoms when ta...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news