Postpartum depression

Diagnosis

Postpartum depression is a prevalent condition, and there’s no reason for a patient to feel ashamed about it. During medical appointments, healthcare providers will ask about the mother’s health and the wellbeing of the child. It’s essential to discuss the symptoms of postpartum depression with the healthcare provider so that they can collaborate on developing an effective treatment plan. With appropriate support and treatment, postpartum depression can be managed successfully, allowing the mother to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling relationship with her child.

The patient will often discuss their feelings, thoughts, and mental health with the healthcare provider in order to assess and assist them decide whether they are experiencing postpartum baby blues for a brief period of time or a more severe type of depression.
Healthcare provider may conduct a depression screening as part of the examination, which may involve asking the patient to complete a questionnaire. Postpartum depression can manifest symptoms that are similar to those of many thyroid disorders, healthcare provider may request a blood test.

Treatment

Treatment for postpartum depression and recovery times may vary according on the type, severity, and specific needs of each patient. The healthcare provider may address those issues or refer them to the proper specialist if they have an underlying condition or an underactive thyroid. A mental health specialist may also be recommended by the healthcare practitioner.

• Baby blues: The baby blues typically go away by themselves in a few days to two weeks. It is recommended that the mother follow the following such as get as much rest as possible, recognize the assistance of friends and family, schedule some time for themselves, refrain from using recreational drugs and alcohol because they can worsen mood swings, or if the patient is having zissues nursing or producing milk, inquire with the healthcare provider about getting assistance from a lactation consultant.
• Postpartum depression: Postpartum depression is frequently treated with psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or mental health counseling, medication, or a combination of the two.
  • Psychotherapy: A psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health expert can be consulted to assist the patient to work through their worries. In therapy, the patient can learn more effective coping mechanisms for their emotions, problem-solving skills, ability to set reasonable goals, and ability to react positively to situations. Relationship or family counseling may also be beneficial occasionally. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy are a few of treatments that have been utilized to treat postpartum depression.
  • Antidepressants: An antidepressant might be suggested of a healthcare provider. Any medication they take while nursing will pass into the breast milk. The majority of antidepressants are generally safe to use while nursing with little chance of adverse effects for the infant. Together with their healthcare provider they will consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking a particular antidepressant.
  • Other medicines: Other medications might be incorporated into the plan if necessary. For instance, if they have postpartum depression together with extreme anxiety or insomnia, a brief course of antianxiety medication may be advised.

Brexanolone reduces the risk of postpartum depression by slowing the rapid decline of certain hormones after childbirth. Potentially serious side effects necessitate a hospital stay and ongoing medical supervision for 60 hours after starting a medication regimen. This treatment is not yet available to some countries.

A promising oral treatment for postpartum depression is still being researched. Brexanolone and the drug under study both operate in a similar manner. However, it might not have the same severe side effects if taken once a day as a pill.

Postpartum depression symptoms usually get better with the right treatment. In some instances, postpartum depression can persist and progress to chronic depression, which is a long-term form of the condition. After the patient start to feel better, it’s crucial to keep up with the treatment. Early treatment termination increases the risk of relapse.

• Postpartum psychosis: Postpartum psychosis needs to be treated immediately, generally in a hospital. A variety of therapies are possible.
  • Medicines: To control the signs and symptoms, a combination of medications, including as antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines are recommended.
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): ECT is a procedure in which the brain is electrically stimulated in a small-scale to purposefully trigger a brief seizure. When other therapies have failed, ECT may help lessen the symptoms of depression and psychosis by altering the brain’s chemistry.

If medication does not alleviate the symptoms of severe postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, ECT may be advised.
A mother’s ability to breastfeed may be affected by a hospital stay while receiving treatment for postpartum psychosis. Breastfeeding becomes challenging due to being separated from the baby. While they are in the hospital, healthcare provider may suggest lactation support to help the mother to continue producing breast milk.

Some strategies for dealing with postpartum depression:

• • Find a listener and helper who you can talk to, such as a therapist, friend, or family member.
  • A support group may be beneficial
  • Healthy lifestyle and exercise could help.
  • Find time to go out with friends or may talk to them over the phone
  • Make time for your wellbeing and enjoyable activities, such as reading or other hobbies.
  • Ask for help with the errands or any household duties.