Post Partum Depression causes Signs and Treatment
(575 Words)
Post partum depression is a serious condition that occurs to many women following childbirth, a stillbirth or a miscarriage. It can occur to varying extents, and proper understanding of the condition can help prevent and treat it.
Causes
A variety of factors contribute to post partum depression. Some factors have a causative effect, whereas others help it proceed undeterred. A woman who has just given birth goes through massive hormonal changes, which may contribute to post partum depression. He body has changed, which can invoke negative feelings. Her work and social relationships may not be the same, and she will have more demands on her time. Of course, most new parents suffer from a lack of sleep, which can play havoc. Emotions can run high through all of this and contribute to the condition.
Other risk factors have been linked with post partum depression. Those who do not have a good support network may have more difficulty and a higher risk. Women who have a personal or family history of depression may be more at risk as well. Women who are under twenty or who abuse illegal substances have a higher rate of this condition.
Difficulties during pregnancy or childbirth can contribute to post partum depression. Other factors include a poor relationship with the baby’s father and financial troubles.
Signs
There are a variety of symptoms associated with post partum depression. It is typically characterized by great feelings of sadness. The women may feel hopeless in what should be one of the most exciting times of her life. She may not have any idea of why she feels that way. She may cry often, and feel very poorly about herself. Difficulty bonding with her baby is another symptom. She may feel agitated. Sleeping and concentration may be interrupted. If severe, suicidal thoughts may even emerge.
A woman suffering from post partum depression may have difficulty doing everyday tasks. She may not be interested in the things that once brought her joy.
Different women will show these symptoms in different ways. Some may appear to go through a complete personality change. She may appear to be uninterested in the baby, and in some cases unable to care for him or her. She may not want to be alone with the baby or even get the urge to harm him or her.
Sadness is not uncommon after a pregnancy. If it lasts more than two weeks, is severe or starts more than a month after childbirth, it may be post partum depression.
Treatment
Fortunately, there is effective treatment for post partum depression if one knows to get help. She may be treated with antidepressant medications such as paroxetine or sertraline. The exact medication indicated in a specific case should be prescribed by a health professional such as a psychiatrist.
Psychological counseling can help the woman work through these feelings. Specific types of therapy that have been shown to be effective with post partum depression include cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Post partum depression is a serious condition, but there are things to be done. It is important that all expectant women are educated on the risks of post partum depression so that they can remain on the lookout for it, and take proper steps should the need arise. Physicians should also regularly screen new mothers for this condition. With proper screening and care, the impact of this serious condition can be minimized.
Resources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004481
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/DS00546
http://www.webmd.com/depression/postpartum-depression/postpartum-depression-topic-overview