postpartum depression treatment. dangerous. how it

Symptoms

If you've had postpartum depression before, your risk increases to 30%. You may experience alternating highs and lows, frequent crying, irritability, and fatigue, as well as feelings of guilt, anxiety, and inability to care for your baby or yourself.

Causes

Postpartum depression is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that occur after giving birth that are attributed to the chemical, social, and psychological changes associated with having a baby. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

Prevention

Encouraging women not to keep postpartum depressive symptoms a secret should be a major priority in the care of all new mothers. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

Complications

What are the risks of postpartum depression?

What is postpartum depression and how is it treated?

Should women keep postpartum depressive symptoms a secret?

Is PPD life threatening?

What is Postpartum Depression? There are two forms of postpartum depression. The first form is postpartum or maternity blues, which is a mild mood condition that lasts for a short time. A more severe form, called postpartum major depression, is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition.

What are the risk factors associated with postpartum psychiatric disorders?

Factors associated with suspected PPD in multivariate analysis were unintended pregnancy, low satisfaction with childbirth, and depression during pregnancy. Previous studies reported that unintended pregnancy is associated with PPD [23, 24].

What factors may increase a patient's risk of postpartum depression?

Know the Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression According to the National Institute for Mental Health, other risk factors include: A stressful life event during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth, such as job loss, death of a loved one, domestic violence, or personal illness.

What does postpartum do to your brain?

During pregnancy and after giving birth, a mother's brain changes. Gray matter decreases in certain parts of the brain during pregnancy and then increases in some brain regions postpartum. This pruning of neurons seems to help your brain specialize in all those new maternal skills once your little one arrives.

Who is at highest risk for postpartum psychosis?

In this study, it was determined that older mothers (over 35 years) are about 2.4 times as likely to experience postpartum psychosis than younger mothers (under 19 years).

Who is most at risk of postpartum psychosis?

Who is most likely to get postpartum psychosis? You do have a higher risk if you have bipolar disorder type I or schizoaffective disorder, a previous postpartum psychosis yourself, or a history of postpartum psychosis in a close relative (see the table below).

What makes you high risk for postpartum?

Risk factors You have bipolar disorder. You had postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy. You have family members who've had depression or other mood disorders. You've experienced stressful events during the past year, such as pregnancy complications, illness or job loss.

What are the causes of postpartum haemorrhage?

What causes postpartum hemorrhage?Placental abruption. The early detachment of the placenta from the uterus.Placenta previa. The placenta covers or is near the cervical opening.Overdistended uterus. ... Multiple pregnancy. ... Gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. ... Having many previous births.Prolonged labor.Infection.More items...

How can you prevent PPD?

Here are 10 tips to prevent it:Educate yourself. ... Sleep and eat properly. ... Exercise. ... Avoid making major life changes during or right after childbirth. ... Let your feelings be known in the delivery room. ... Enlist good support during birthing. ... Prepare yourself well for childbirth. ... Enlist household help during the postpartum period.More items...•

Can PPD cause memory loss?

Conclusions: This study shows that postpartum depression affects both men and women, and the symptoms of depression affect the working and short-term memories of affected individuals.

Can you cure PPD naturally?

Riboflavin, or vitamin B-2, may also help decrease your risk of developing PPD. In a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, researchers examined this vitamin along with folate, cobalamin, and pyridoxine. Riboflavin was the only one they found to have a positive effect on the mood disorder.

Can postpartum cause memory loss?

Furthermore, the postpartum period has been linked with an increased risk of cognitive impairment, which primarily presents as poor memory or recent memory loss, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and distractibility (Christensen et al., 2010; Postma et al., 2014; Albin-Brooks et al., 2017).

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that occur after giving birth that are attributed to the chemical, social, and psychological changes associated with having a baby.

How long does postpartum depression last?

The symptoms generally occur quickly after delivery and are severe, lasting for a few weeks to several months.

What is PMDD in pregnancy?

Having a personal or family history of depression or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Limited social support. Marital conflict. Ambivalence about the pregnancy. A history of depression during pregnancy — 50% of depressed pregnant women will have postpartum depression.

How many women have postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is common. As many as 50 to 75% of new mothers experience the "baby blues" after delivery. Up to 15% of these women will develop a more severe and longer-lasting depression, called postpartum depression, after delivery. One in 1,000 women develop the more serious condition called postpartum psychosis.

What are the symptoms of postpartum psychosis?

Symptoms include severe agitation, confusion, feelings of hopelessness and shame, insomnia, paranoia, delusions or hallucinations, hyperactivity, rapid speech, or mania. Postpartum psychosis requires immediate medical attention since there is an increased risk of suicide and risk of harm to the baby. Treatment will usually include admission ...

How long does it take for postpartum blues to subside?

The condition usually begins in the first week (one to four days) after delivery. Although the experience is unpleasant, the condition usually subsides within two weeks without treatment. All you'll need is reassurance and help with the baby and household chores.

What is the term for the shift in emotions after delivery?

Postpartum Depression. As many as 50 to 75% of new mothers experience a shift in their emotions called the “baby blues” after delivery. Up to 15% of these women will develop a more severe and longer-lasting depression, called postpartum depression, after delivery. Women with postpartum depression may experience emotional highs and lows, ...

Why do women seek treatment for postpartum depression?

“It can cause marital strife and anxiety for other children in the home who often don’t understand what is wrong but can identify that Mommy isn’t herself,” Dr. Snyder said.

How long does postpartum depression last?

Unlike the “baby blues,” which typically clear up on their own after a few days, postpartum depression can last for anywhere from a few months to several years.

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

Its symptoms include frequent crying, trouble sleeping and feeling sad, hopeless, overwhelmed, guilty, angry or disconnected from others, including your new baby.

How to help a baby in need?

If you have the option, ask friends and family to help out, or ask your partner to take on additional responsibilities. This also gives you time to exercise, time with friends away from the baby, and time to get the sleep you need to recharge your brain.

Is postpartum depression dangerous?

Postpartum Depression Can Be Dangerous. Here’s How to Recognize It and Seek Treatment.

Can postpartum depression cause anxiety?

Trachtenberg added that women also can develop other mental health conditions postpartum, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress syndrome if their birth experience was traumatic. Postpartum anxiety can also occur alongside postpartum depression and might include symptoms such as panic attacks, insomnia, obsessive fears about your baby’s health and safety, an inability to sit still or physical pain or discomfort, such as frequent headaches or stomachaches.

What is the treatment for postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is often treated with psychotherapy (also called talk therapy or mental health counseling), medication or both. Psychotherapy. It may help to talk through your concerns with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional.

How to treat postpartum psychosis?

Treatment may include: Medication. Treatment may require a combination of medications — such as antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines — to control your signs and symptoms.

What to do after first mental health appointment?

After your first appointment, your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional who can create the right treatment plan for you . You may want to find a trusted family member or friend to join you for your appointment to help you remember all of the information discussed.

What to do when someone offers to babysit?

If someone offers to baby-sit, take them up on it. If you can sleep, take a nap, or maybe you can catch a movie or meet for coffee with friends. You may also benefit from asking for help with parenting skills that can include caregiving techniques to improve your baby's sleep and soothe fussing and crying.

Can postpartum depression be chronic?

With appropriate treatment, postpartum depression symptoms usually improve. In some cases, postpartum depression can continue, becoming chronic depression. It's important to continue treatment after you begin to feel better. Stopping treatment too early may lead to a relapse.

Can postpartum depression be a short term condition?

Don't be embarrassed ― postpartum depression is common. Share your symptoms with your doctor so that a useful treatment plan can be created for you.

Can you take antidepressants while breastfeeding?

If you're breast-feeding, any medication you take will enter your breast milk. However, most antidepressants can be used during breast-feeding with little risk of side effects for your baby. Work with your doctor to weigh the potential risks and benefits of specific antidepressants. With appropriate treatment, postpartum depression symptoms usually ...

How to treat postpartum depression?

Postpartum Depression Therapy. Because postpartum depression is a mental health condition, it can be treated through psychotherapy. This includes talk therapy with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional. For women who feel isolated, anxious and scared, talking about their feelings in a safe environment can be incredibly ...

How to help a wife recover from postpartum depression?

Depending on the situation, relationship therapy for spouses may be an important factor in recovering from postpartum depression. In general, therapy can help women develop a more positive way of acknowledging, addressing and recovering from their postpartum depression. Learn More About Therapy Options.

What is the best medication for postpartum depression?

Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed type of medication for postpartum depression. Antidepressants work to elevate and stabilize the mood. This prevents postpartum depression symptoms such as mood swings, sadness and irritability.

What is the effect of SSRIs on mood?

SSRIs block the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain making it more readily available in the brain. This helps to elevate mood and reduce general symptoms of postpartum depression.

Why do psychiatrists prescribe antidepressants?

Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are able to prescribe medications like antidepressants to help correct chemical deficiencies and imbalances that cause PPD. Because of the scientific approach to treatment, psychiatrists will also look to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms as postpartum depression, such as malnutrition or a thyroid disorder.

What are the factors that affect postpartum depression?

These factors include: The severity of the condition. Medical history and background of the mother. Other individual needs. Postpartum depression treatments generally include therapy with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Another common treatment method, used in conjunction with therapy, ...

How does mental health help women?

Mental health professionals use therapy to help women find ways to understand and cope with their feelings. Therapy also helps mothers solve problems and set realistic goals as they work to manage their postpartum depression. There are two common types of psychotherapy that are referred to as talk therapy.

What causes postpartum depression?

We don’t fully understand what causes postpartum depression. It is thought that the abrupt decrease in hormone levels after having a baby can lead to the development of postpartum depression in susceptible women.

How long does postpartum depression last?

For most women, the symptoms go away without treatment, but about 20% of women will still have significant depressive symptoms after one year.

Why is postpartum screening important?

Screening is very important because studies have shown that many women with postpartum depression are ashamed of their symptoms and are afraid of the social stigma associated with the diagnosis. Although symptoms of postpartum depression can vary, the typical symptoms include: sleep disturbances. anxiety. irritability.

Why is it important to screen for postpartum depression?

Because postpartum depression affects the health of the woman, her infant, and her entire family, it is very important to screen for postpartum depression risk. Most obstetricians are now implementing some type of screening tool during the postpartum checkup. Screening is very important because studies have shown that many women with postpartum ...

How many new mothers have postpartum depression?

Stewart and Vigod published in the New England Journal of Medicine explores postpartum depression, this potentially debilitating condition that affects between 6.5% and 12.9% of new mothers.

What are the first days after having a baby?

For most new mothers, the first several days after having a baby is an emotional roller coaster ride. Thrilling moments of happiness and joy are abruptly interrupted by a plunge into moments of depressive symptoms including weeping, anxiety, anger, and sadness.

Is postpartum depression a personal disorder?

We do know that the strongest predictor of postpartum depression is a personal history of a mood disorder or anxiety, especially if present and untreated during pregnancy. In fact, women with a history of depression during pregnancy are seven times more likely to experience significant postpartum depression.

What to do if you are depressed after a baby is born?

If you're feeling depressed after your baby's birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. But if you experience any symptoms of postpartum baby blues or postpartum depression, call your doctor and schedule an appointment. If you have symptoms that suggest you may have postpartum psychosis, get help immediately.

What are the symptoms of postpartum psychosis?

Signs and symptoms may include: Confusion and disorientation. Obsessive thoughts about your baby.

How soon can you call your doctor for postpartum depression?

It's important to call your doctor as soon as possible if the signs and symptoms of depression have any of these features: Don't fade after two weeks. Are getting worse. Make it hard for you to care for your baby.

How long does it take for depression to develop after birth?

Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may begin earlier ― during pregnancy ― or later — up to a year after birth. Postpartum depression signs and symptoms may include: Depressed mood or severe mood swings. Excessive crying. Difficulty bonding with your baby.

What are the effects of having a baby?

The birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression. Most new moms experience postpartum "baby blues" after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.

What to do if you think you are harming your baby?

If at any point you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, immediately seek help from your partner or loved ones in taking care of your baby and call 911 or your local emergency assistance number to get help.

Is postpartum depression a weakness?

Postpartum depression isn't a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it's simply a complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and help you bond with your baby.

What are the risk factors for postnatal depression?

6, 7 Significant risk factors for PPD include a history of depression prior to or during pregnancy, anxiety during pregnancy, experiencing stressful life events during pregnancy or the early puerperium, low levels of social support 8 or partner support, 9 low socioeconomic status, and obstetric complications. 7 Although mental health often is not prioritized as a problem in poorer countries where access to basic nutrition and health care are not consistent, the evidence suggests that postnatal depression may be both more common and more grave for women and their children in low-income countries. The limited data from resource-constrained countries suggests that rates of depression in mothers of young infants exceeds 25%, 10 and in some settings may be as high as 60%. 11 The intersection of cultural, interpersonal and socioeconomic factors may also confer significant risk of PPD: in one study in Goa, India, risk for depression after delivery increased with economic deprivation, marital violence, and female gender of the infant. 12

How many mothers are affected by postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a major international public health problem that affects at least 1 in 8 mothers and their children in the year after childbirth worldwide. PPD may be more common and may be associated with more morbidity for both mothers and children in resource-poor countries.

How does mother to mother support affect depressive symptoms?

In a pilot study, CL Dennis 113 evaluated the effect of mother-to-mother support as delivered over the telephone on depressive symptomatology in a postpartum patient population identified as at high risk for PPD based on EPDS score >9. Standard postpartum care in addition to individualized telephone-based peer support resulted in a significant reduction in depressive symptoms at 8 weeks. More recently, in a larger randomized multisite trial, Dennis and colleagues demonstrated that high-risk postpartum women who received telephone-based peer support over 12 weeks were at lower risk for developing PPD (as defined by EPDS >12) compared to a control group receiving usual care. 114 Due in part to the telephone-based nature of the study, the investigators were unable to confirm the findings from rating scales with structured clinical interviews.

How effective is IPT for postpartum depression?

Several studies, including one large-scale randomized controlled trial, have supported the effectiveness of IPT for treating postpartum depression. O’Hara and colleagues randomized 120 women with postpartum depression to receive 12 weekly 60-minute individual sessions of manualized IPT by a trained therapist versus control condition of a wait-list. 101 The women who received IPT had a significant decrease in their depressive symptomatology (measured by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Beck Depression Inventory) as compared to the wait-list group, as well as significant improvement in social adjustment scores. In another study by Clark et al 35 women with postpartum depression were assigned to individual IPT (12 sessions) versus mother–infant group therapy versus a wait-list condition. 102 Both IPT and mother–infant group therapy were associated with greater reduction in depressive symptoms as compared to the wait-list conditions. Both studies support the effectiveness of IPT as a treatment for PPD, though there is not enough data to suggest a specific benefit to IPT compared with other therapeutic modalities.

How does depression affect a mother?

Untreated maternal depression is associated with serious morbidity for the mother, the infant, and the family system. Perinatal depression causes significant suffering in women at a time when personal or societal notions of motherhood as a uniquely joyful, if tiring, experience may be incongruous with the depressed woman’s ability to feel gratification in the mothering role, 13 connect with her infant, or carry out the often overwhelming tasks of caring for a new baby. 14 Such a disconnect can reinforce the disabling sense of isolation, guilt, helplessness and hopelessness that frequently characterize the depressed state. Women with PPD are at higher risk for smoking, 15 alcohol or illicit substance abuse, 16 and are more likely than nondepressed mothers to experience current or recent physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Although rates of suicide for women during pregnancy and the puerperum are lower than the general population, suicide is an important cause of maternal mortality. 17 Self-inflicted injury is the leading cause of one-year maternal mortality in the United Kingdom. 18 A recent World Health Organization report on women’s health identifies self-inflicted injury as the second leading cause of maternal mortality in high-income countries; suicide remains an important cause of maternal deaths in moderate and low-income countries. 19 Intrusive thoughts of accidental or intentional harm to the baby are common in the early postpartum time. 20 These thoughts are more frequent and distressing in women with postpartum depression; 21 however, nonpsychotic depressed women are unlikely to commit infanticide. 22

What are the symptoms of a postpartum depression episode?

However, studies suggest that depressive episodes are significantly more common in women in the first three months after delivery, 32 and an increased vulnerability to psychiatric illness may persist for a year or more. 33 It is important to differentiate PPD from other psychiatric and nonpsychiatric diagnoses. The “postpartum blues” or “baby blues” is a transient mood disturbance that affects up to 75% of new mothers in the 10 days following delivery, and consists of crying, irritability, fatigue, anxiety, and emotional lability. Symptoms are generally mild and self-limited, and do not involve total loss of pleasure or interest, persistent low mood, or suicidal ideation. 34 On the other extreme, postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that requires immediate intervention, and is characterized by the rapid onset of severe mood swings, a waxing and waning sensorium, delusions, hallucinations or disorganized behaviors, and a relatively high incidence of suicidal ideation or homicidal ideation toward the infant. 35 Women presenting with a depressive episode, mood elevation, or psychotic symptoms should be screened for any prior history of mania or hypomania to rule out previously undiagnosed bipolar disorder. 36 Anxiety disorders are common in perinatal women, and women may have depression comorbid with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. 37 Substance use and medical causes of psychiatric symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, should also be considered.

Is postpartum depression a complication of childbearing?

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common complication of childbearing, and has increasingly been identified as a major public health problem. Untreated maternal depression has multiple potential negative effects on maternal-infant attachment and child development. Screening for depression in the perinatal period is feasible in multiple primary care ...

What Are the Treatments for Postpartum Depression?

About 90% of women who have postpartum depression can be treated successfully with medication or a combination of medication and psychotherapy. A support group may also be helpful.

How to help a depressed baby?

You may not want to take a prescription drug, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about whether you should try any of these therapies, either instead of or along with standard medical treatment: 1 Yoga. In one study of depressed new moms, more than three-quarters of them who did yoga twice a week for 8 weeks got better. 2 Massage. It may have a positive effect on postpartum depression. Although more studies are needed, findings suggest that massage helps improve symptoms. 3 Relaxation training. Techniques like deep breathing, g uided imagery, and self-hypnosis can teach you to soothe yourself. More than a dozen studies have shown that relaxation training can help you recover from depression. 4 Meditation. Learning to meditate lets you “exist in the moment.” You focus on your breathing and let go of your thoughts. It might help you with your depression.

What is the best therapy for mental health?

Cognitive behavioral therapy. You and your counselor work together to identify, then change, thoughts and behaviors that are harmful to your mental health. Interpersonal therapy. Your therapist helps you better understand how you behave in your relationships and how to work through any problems.

Can postpartum depression flare up before menstruation?

While you’re recovering from postpartum depression, you’ll probably see an improvement from month to month. Be aware that your symptoms may flare up before a menstrual period because of fluctuations in your hormones.

Can you take antidepressants while pregnant?

Also, if you’ve had a previous episode of postpartum depression, your doctor may suggest that you take preventive medicine shortly after the baby is born or during pregnancy. Most antidepressants don’ t pose any major risks to a developing fetus, although all medications have potential risks.

Does massage help with postpartum depression?

Massage. It may have a positive effect on postpartum depression. Although more studies are needed, findings suggest that massage helps improve symptoms.

Can PPD get worse?

If it's detected late or not at all, the condition may get worse. Also, experts have found that children can be affected by a parent's untreated PPD. They may be more prone to sleep disturbances, impaired cognitive development, insecurity, and frequent temper tantrums.

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