Medication
Some of the tips to overcome postpartum depression can include consulting a professional, meeting with other moms, getting enough rest, eating healthy, breastfeed only if you want to, exercising a bit, learning to relax, making realistic goals, talk to your partner and lastly not to be hard on oneself.
Therapy
The following are some of the top SSRI brands as well as their generic medication names:
- Celexa (citalopram)
- Cipralex, Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Luvox (fluvoxamine)
- Paxil, Seroxat (paroxetine)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Zoloft, Lustral ( sertraline)
Self-care
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.
Nutrition
Therapy for postpartum depression or anxiety helps you rise above your challenges and start moving towards your ideal life with less stress and more calm. During therapy you will acquire the skills you need to start taking care of yourself and to manage your stress.
How to get over the postpartum depression?
Which antidepressants treat postpartum depression?
How can I treat my postpartum depression?
Can therapy help improve my postpartum depression?
How do you deal with severe PPD?
Keep reading for more on how to deal with PPD.Exercise when you can. Researchers in Australia explain that exercise may have an antidepressant effect for women with PPD. ... Maintain a healthy diet. ... Create time for yourself. ... Make time to rest. ... Focus on fish oils. ... Examine your breast-feeding. ... Resist isolation.
Which of the following drugs has been shown effective in treating postpartum depression?
Several open studies have found sertraline,58 venlafaxine,59 nefazodone,60 fluvoxamine,61 and bupropion62 to be effective in the treatment of postpartum depression.
How do doctors treat postpartum anxiety?
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most widely used and most researched medication for postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression. SSRIs work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain.
What antidepressant is good for PPD?
They work by affecting a brain chemical called serotonin, which is thought to play a role in mood. No SSRIs have been specifically FDA-approved for PPD. However, paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft) are examples of SSRIs that have been studied for PPD treatment.
What do they give you for postpartum?
Newer antidepressants include:Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)Escitalopram (Lexapro)Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)Sertraline (Zoloft)
How long do you take Zoloft for PPD?
Once a brain is healthy again, and someone is feeling back to normal, then the clock starts. From that point, until around 9 months, it is important to continue the medication.
Is Zoloft good for postpartum anxiety?
For the most part, yes: Zoloft is a safe antidepressant to take while breastfeeding, according to G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, OB-GYN lead at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. “If you have to medicate someone with postpartum depression or anxiety [who is also nursing], most doctors will go to Zoloft first,” he says.
What is post partum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health illness that can affect someone soon after having a baby. It affects around 1 in 500 mothers after giving birth. Many people who have given birth will experience mild mood changes after having a baby, known as the "baby blues".
Is Lexapro good for postpartum anxiety?
Other Treatments for Postpartum Depression In most cases, we recommend professional therapists for further help and will prescribe antidepressant medication such as Lexapro or Zoloft. These medications help increase serotonin levels and help balance hormones.
Does Prozac work for postpartum?
Many women who suffer from postpartum depression receive standard antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac. It is unclear how well these drugs work, however, because the neurotransmitter serotonin may play only a secondary role in the condition or may not be involved at all.
Does citalopram work for postnatal depression?
Citalopram is a commonly prescribed drug for postpartum depression. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of drug that promotes the amount of serotonin in the brain, helping the organ to send and receive neural messages, resulting in better and more stable moods.
What depression meds can you take while breastfeeding?
Sertraline and paroxetine (among SSRIs) and nortriptyline and imipramine (among TCAs) are the most evidence-based medications for use during breastfeeding because of similar findings across multiple laboratories, usually undetectable infant serum levels and no reports of short term adverse events.
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 ...
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.
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 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, ...
What are the two types of mental health professionals?
There are generally two types of mental health professionals who can provide treatment for postpartum depression: psychologists and psychiatrists. Both professions work to treat mental conditions and improve emotional well-being. However, they have distinct differences in educational background, scope of practice and approach to 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.
How common is 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. PPD has been associated with significant negative effects not only on depressed women themselves, but on the physical, cognitive and emotional development of their children. Early detection and intervention are important in mitigating these risks. There are validated and easily administered screening tools for PPD available in many languages, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; most experts recommend screening women for PPD 4–6 weeks after delivery.
What is the best treatment for depression?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a well-studied and effective treatment for major depression, 105 is based on the premise that both perceptions and behaviors are intimately linked to mood. CBT focuses on helping depressed patients to modify distorted patterns of negative thinking and to make behavioral changes that enhance coping and reduce distress. 106 There have been several trials assessing CBT alone or with other interventions for the treatment of PPD. In a randomized controlled psychotherapy-pharmacotherapy study, Appleby et al assigned 87 women with PPD to one of four conditions in a factorial design, varying based on treatment with either one or six sessions of CBT-based counseling, and treatment with fluoxetine or placebo. 52 All four treatment groups had significant improvement in depressive symptoms. Women who received six CBT sessions versus one had greater decrease in depressive symptoms. Six sessions of CBT plus placebo pill was as effective as treatment with fluoxetine plus one session of CBT, but there was no added benefit in the group receiving 6 counseling sessions in combination with fluoxetine. It should be noted that the counseling sessions were delivered by briefly trained nonspecialists, and six sessions of CBT may not be a sufficient representation of a standard course of treatment. In another combination medication-CBT study, Misri et al randomized 35 women with PPD and comorbid anxiety either to paroxetine monotherapy or paroxetine and 12 weekly manualized CBT sessions with a psychologist. 53 While both groups had significant decreases in depressive symptoms, there were no significant differences between the two groups in response rates, time to remission or dose of medication required, suggesting no measurable added benefit to the CBT treatment in combination with an SSRI over the 12 week study period, as consistent with Appleby’s findings. In a randomized controlled trial looking at the effectiveness of CBT versus a control condition, Prendergast and Austin assigned 37 women with PPD either to six weekly one-hour home-based CBT sessions delivered by early childhood nurses (ECNs) or to “ideal standard care”, which consisted of six weekly visits to ECNs in a clinic setting. 107 Both groups with PPD had significant mood improvement, though there was a nonsignificant trend towards CBT being more effective at six-month follow-up. Among study limitations, ECNs administering CBT were not experienced therapists, though they received CBT training prior to the study and supervision throughout. Additionally, the control group more closely resembled a supportive psychotherapy rather than no-treament. These studies support CBT interventions as helpful in the treatment of PPD, though they do not support an additional benefit to CBT in combination with pharmacotherapy and do not clarify a specific benefit of CBT for this population in comparison with other treatments. Two of these studies also suggest a role for the training of nonmental-health professionals in this modality.
What is psychosocial intervention?
As compared with IPT or CBT, psychosocial interventions are unstructured and nonmanualized, and include nondirective counseling and peer support. Nondirective counseling (also known as “person-centered”) is based on the use of empathic and nonjudgmental listening and support. In the first notable study evaluating this intervention, Holden randomized 50 women with PPD to 8 weekly nondirective counseling sessions with a health visitor or routine primary care. 108 A health visitor in the UK is a public health nurse who conducts home visits with pregnant and postpartum women. This study found that the rate of recovery from PPD for counseling (69%) was significantly greater than that of the control group (38%). In a similar study conducted in Sweden, Wickberg and Hwang randomized 31 women with PPD to receive six nondirective counseling sessions by child health clinic nurses or routine primary care. 109 As in the Holden study, a significantly greater percentage of women in the treatment group (80%) had remission of depression than in the control group (25%). Study limitations include the removal of four study participants, two in each group, for more intensive mental health services due to illness severity.
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.
What is electroconvulsive therapy?
As with treatment-refractory major depression in the general population, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an option for depressed postpartum women who do not respond to antidepressant medication or who have severe or psychotic symptoms. Data specific to this population are very limited.
What is interpersonal therapy?
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a time-limited treatment for major depression based on addressing the connection between interpersonal problems and mood, 98 which frames depression as a medical illness occurring in a social context. 99 In IPT, the patient and clinician select one of four interpersonal problem areas (role transition, role dispute, grief, or interpersonal deficits) as a treatment focus. Over the course of the therapy (typically 12–20 weeks), strategies are pursued to assist patients in modifying problematic approaches to relationships and in building better social supports. IPT has been adapted to address problem areas relevant to postpartum depression such as the relationship between mother and infant, mother and partner, and transition back to work. 100 The fact that IPT is both time-limited and problem-focused fits well with the demands of the postpartum mother.
How long can a woman breastfeed?
The benefits of breastfeeding have been well described 66 – 73 and have led the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Practitioners to recommend breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months for most women. 66, 67, 73 Potential effects of antidepressant medication on breastfeeding are of concern to many mothers and clinicians. 49, 74 Neonates and young infants are especially vulnerable to potential drug effects due to their immature hepatic and renal systems, immature blood–brain barriers, and developing neurological systems. 75, 76 Because relatively little is known about the effects of antidepressant medication in breast milk, some experts have recommended nonpharmacologic treatment modalities when possible, particularly for mild to moderate depression. 76 However, non-pharmacologic treatments are not effective for some women, and may not be accessible for many women.
What is the best treatment for postpartum depression?
Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) is used to treat different types of depression. Two forms often used with postpartum depression include: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you to develop the ability to recognize unhelpful thought patterns that might contribute to negative behaviors and emotions.
What to do for postpartum depression?
Treatments. While postpartum depression can feel overwhelming, several treatment options are available. Some options may include therapy and medication . However, for people who don’t want to “take medication, especially while pregnant or breastfeeding, know that there are effective options,” says Kukla. Below are some treatment options.
What is the most widely used method to assess for postpartum depression?
Some symptoms of postpartum depression may include changes in energy, sleep, and eating habits, as well as feelings of: Kukla says the most widely used method to assess for PPD is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), which consists of 10 questions that prompt people to score how they are feeling.
How long does postpartum depression last?
Simply put, postpartum depression is depression during pregnancy and after childbirth that can last for months or longer. PPD affects about 1 in 7 people who give birth and can occur in your first or subsequent pregnancy.
What is the best medication for depression?
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is used to treat major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and to help those trying to quit smoking. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are the first medications developed to treat depression and are still used. Also, in 2019, the Food and Drug Administration ...
How long after giving birth do you have depression?
less than half had symptoms of depression 3 years after giving birth. People with postpartum depression have an increased chance of postpartum depression again and should be monitored closely. “They also remain at risk for future episodes of depression,” says Kukla.
What to do if you are depressed after giving birth?
Treatment options include therapy, medications, and self-care. After giving birth, many people feel sad, anxious, or stressed. This is sometimes called the “baby blues.”. But when these feelings become more intense, ...
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.
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.
What are the symptoms of postpartum psychosis?
Signs and symptoms may include: Confusion and disorientation. Obsessive thoughts about 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 happens to your body after you have a baby?
Physical changes. After childbirth, a dramatic drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in your body may contribute to postpartum depression. Other hormones produced by your thyroid gland also may drop sharply — which can leave you feeling tired, sluggish and depressed. Emotional issues.
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.
How do you know if you have postpartum depression?
Signs of severe postpartum depression include: hallucinations, or seeing, hearing, smelling, or feeling things that aren’t really there. delusions, or having irrational beliefs, placing too much importance on insignificant things, or feeling persecuted. disorientation, confusion, and talking nonsense.
How long does it take for postpartum depression to show?
Symptoms are most likely to start within a few weeks of delivery. Sometimes, postpartum depression doesn’t surface until months later. Symptoms may let up for a day or two and then return. Without treatment, symptoms may continue to worsen.
What is the hotline for postpartum education?
Postpartum Education for Parents at 805-564-3888: Trained volunteers answer the “warmline” 24/7 to provide support. Postpartum Progress: This organization has information and support for pregnant women and new moms who have postpartum depression and anxiety.
How common is postpartum anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is common, affecting more than 1 in 6 women following childbirth. Among first-time mothers, the rate is 1 in 5. Suicide is said to be the reason for about 20 percent of postpartum deaths. It’s the second most common cause of death in postpartum women. Postpartum OCD is fairly rare.
What to do if your baby doesn't sleep for long periods?
If your baby doesn’t sleep for long periods, get someone to take a shift so you can sleep. If you have trouble drifting off, try a hot bath, a good book, or whatever helps you relax. Meditation and massage may help ease tension and help you fall asleep. Learn more about how to deal with postpartum depression ».
What happens to hormones after giving birth?
Within hours of giving birth, hormone levels drop back to their previous state. This abrupt change may lead to depression.
Is it normal to feel tired after having a baby?
Although it’s normal to feel moody or fatigued after having a baby, postpartum depression goes well beyond that. Its symptoms are severe and can interfere with your ability to function. Symptoms of postpartum depression vary person to person and even day to day.
How common is postpartum depression?
Depression is a common problem after pregnancy. One in 9 new mothers has postpartum depression. 1
How do I know if I have postpartum depression?
Some normal changes after pregnancy can cause symptoms similar to those of depression. Many mothers feel overwhelmed when a new baby comes home. But if you have any of the following symptoms of depression for more than 2 weeks, call your doctor, nurse, or midwife:
What causes postpartum depression?
Hormonal changes may trigger symptoms of postpartum depression. When you are pregnant, levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone are the highest they’ll ever be. In the first 24 hours after childbirth, hormone levels quickly drop back to normal, pre-pregnancy levels.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is rare. It happens in up to 4 new mothers out of every 1,000 births. It usually begins in the first 2 weeks after childbirth. It is a medical emergency. Women who have bipolar disorder or another mental health condition called schizoaffective disorder have a higher risk of postpartum psychosis. Symptoms may include:
What should I do if I have symptoms of postpartum depression?
Ask your partner or a loved one to call for you if necessary. Your doctor, nurse, or midwife can ask you questions to test for depression. They can also refer you to a mental health professional for help and treatment.
How is postpartum depression treated?
Therapy. During therapy, you talk to a therapist, psychologist, or social worker to learn strategies to change how depression makes you think, feel, and act.
What can happen if postpartum depression is not treated?
Untreated postpartum depression can affect your ability to parent. You may:
When does postpartum depression start?
Postpartum depression can begin within days of giving birth or anytime within the first year after childbirth. Many women experience a milder condition called the baby blues in the first two weeks after giving birth, and it typically resolves on its own.
What are the factors that contribute to postpartum depression?
1, 2. Lifestyle changes from having a newborn that can be physically and emotionally taxing—sleep deprivation, new responsibilities, stress, and anxiety can all contribute to postpartum depression.
What are the risk factors for a baby to be hospitalized?
Having a baby who has been hospitalized. Of these, two risk factors stand out: Having a prior episode of postpartum depression and experiencing depression during pregnancy , says Katherine Taljan, MD, a psychiatrist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
How many new mothers experience postpartum depression?
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 20% of new mothers experience one or more symptoms of postpartum depression, that number may be higher or lower based on where you live, your age, your risk factors, and your race/ethnicity. 6
What does it mean when you have a PPD diagnosis?
You have thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby. Getting a PPD diagnosis as soon as possible means you can discuss beginning treatment right away. This is especially important if you’ve had depression or PPD before.
How many women have PPD?
In some states, as many as one in five women experience PPD. You can view your state’s prevalence using the CDC’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). According to another CDC study, postpartum depression may be more common among: 4. Black women.
How long does it take for an antidepressant to work?
This neurotransmitter regulates mood and is often imbalanced in people with depression. Antidepressants may take several weeks to start working.
How does postpartum therapy help with depression?
Provides Long-Term Self-Help Skills. Postpartum depression therapy will help people learn coping and self-help tools that can be used to fully treat postpartum depression. Strategies such as mindfulness, meditation and trigger recognition can help people cope with chronic depression and anxiety.
What is the goal of postpartum depression therapy?
The ultimate goal of postpartum depression therapy is to heal the mother or other affected people from the effects of their disorder and help them manage a higher quality of life.
Why is therapy important for women?
Therapy allows women to work through their condition and understand the progress they make. Therapists can also make adjustments to treatment in response to the woman’s progress. Therapy is a personal and vital way to treat postpartum depression.
How does postpartum depression affect marriage?
Postpartum depression takes a serious toll on marriages and relationships. Couples therapy opens lines of communication while providing a safe space for each person’s concerns to be heard . Therapists facilitate conversations and help couples identify relationship patterns that can cause problems.
Why is group therapy important for mothers?
Group therapy provides education about postpartum depression, helpful coping tools and validation from therapists and other group members.
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) addresses traumatic experiences involved in postpartum depression. This makes it a useful therapy for women with postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), women who may have experienced traumatic childbirths or other circumstances.
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression therapy is a vital part of the recovery process. It works with medication to help relieve with the symptoms of postpartum depression. It also helps people understand the root causes of the condition.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Clinical Trials
Coping and Support
Specialist to consult
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Your doctor will usually talk with you about your feelings, thoughts and mental health to distinguish between a short-term case of postpartum baby blues and a more severe form of depression. Don't be embarrassed ― postpartum depression is common. Share your symptoms …