Postnatal Depression – What You Need to Know
Whether you have just given birth to your first child or are a mom to many children, there are times when you might experience feelings of postnatal depression. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to help you and your family cope with the symptoms of this condition.
Symptoms
Having a baby can be a life-changing experience. But it can also bring on a range of emotional issues, from relationship problems to depression. In fact, the majority of women will experience a period of low mood after giving birth. Known as postnatal depression, these episodes last on average for three to six months. However, it can last much longer.
Symptoms of postnatal depression vary, from restlessness to anxiety and worry. Generally, these symptoms can be detected and treated early on. Treatment will involve antidepressants and psychological therapies. For severe episodes, a psychiatric referral may be necessary.
Although there is still much to learn about the link between postnatal depression and the long-term health of offspring, it is safe to assume that exposure to maternal depression during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of offspring experiencing psychological distress. It is possible that this association is due to some combination of socioeconomic adversity, individual differences, and the quality of the child’s emotional development.
Several studies have looked at the links between maternal depression and the number of children exposed to internalizing symptoms. Several of these have used a data set called BT20+. These data were collected in Soweto, South Africa, from 1990 to 2018, followed by the children until the age of 28 years. The study found that the presence of maternal postnatal depression was associated with a persistently higher rate of offspring’s internalizing symptoms.
While many of these studies used a large sample of mothers and offspring, a more focused examination of this relationship is needed. Until then, it is important to note that these associations are true even in contexts that are otherwise largely unaffected by these factors.
Another study examined the relationship between postnatal depression and the quality of a child’s emotional development. In addition to maternal postnatal depression, the findings suggested that the presence of a sibling with a mental health disorder increases the likelihood of suffering from mental health problems.
Ultimately, the findings suggest that better knowledge of these associations can help maximize the impact of public health initiatives. In particular, they suggest that prevention of postnatal depression could reduce the prevalence of psychological problems in the next generation.
Diagnosis
Despite the fact that postnatal depression is relatively common in the UK, it is still underdiagnosed. This article explores what can be done to improve the diagnosis of postnatal mood disorders in postnatal women.
General practitioners play an important role in detecting and managing postnatal depression. As the first point of contact for many new mothers, GPs have an opportunity to assess their mental state and monitor their well-being.
There are many approaches GPs can take to encourage the disclosure of symptoms. Some rely on clinical intuition and others utilize a more collaborative approach.
One technique that some GPs use is to ask patients to complete questionnaires to assess their symptoms. This can be used to identify postnatal depression and track patients’ responses to treatment.
For some women, disclosing the symptoms of postnatal depression may be difficult. This may be due to concerns about stigma or because they are afraid that their baby will be taken away.
Some GPs believe that postnatal depression is underdiagnosed. This belief is supported by the literature, which suggests that many mothers are reluctant to discuss their feelings. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis.
CMOCs (community maternal and infant centers) have the potential to educate GPs and patients about postnatal depression. This can help reduce the stigma associated with the condition and increase early diagnostic rates.
Screening tools, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, can help GPs to identify patients who may be at risk of developing postnatal depression. They can also be used to support a patient’s acceptance of the condition.
There are many factors that can contribute to an effective postnatal depression diagnosis. GPs have to be receptive to the clues they receive from their patients, and they have to take the time to understand the symptoms their patient is exhibiting.
The key is to increase patient awareness so that they can recognize postnatal depression and be involved in the diagnosis and care plan. This can enhance their engagement with the healthcare process, which can increase the chances of a correct diagnosis. It can also increase shared decision-making and help improve outcomes.
Treatment
Symptoms of postnatal depression vary, but common symptoms include feeling depressed, having low energy, poor concentration, and feeling irritable. They can be mild or severe and may require medication to ease the symptoms.
The best treatment for postnatal depression will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of symptoms, how long the illness has been present, and the individual’s personal circumstances. It is important to seek treatment early since it can be very difficult to recover without help.
Various psychological treatments are available, including antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), problem-solving therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. These therapies all aim to help new mothers control their symptoms and recover. Some may take a long time, so it is important to choose an option that can work with your schedule.
There are also psychological treatments that can be delivered through the internet. These include the MumMoodBooster program, which is a web-based version of CBT. This program was tested in several RCTs and shown to be effective.
The current trial is the first to examine the efficacy of internet-delivered treatment for postnatal depression. It was designed to replicate the results of previous MMB studies. It involved participants completing a questionnaire on the treatment they sought when they were depressed after giving birth. The answers were recorded on a four-point Likert scale.
The most preferred treatment was a home visit. The second most-preferred treatment was a group meeting. Both of these options were rated as more convenient than the waitlist control condition. Those assigned to the MMB condition reported more positive treatment gains than those in the other two conditions.
It is recommended that women begin treatment within one month of their referral. This is due to the length of time that it takes for antidepressants to start to work. It is also important to consider any other stressors that might be causing or aggravating the symptoms.
The length of the medication is likely to be affected by the severity of the symptoms, the person’s personal history, and any available support. Getting a supportive partner or family can also help a new mother recover.
Support
Getting support for postnatal depression is an important step toward recovery. A good support system can help you manage symptoms and prevent PND from lingering. It can also give you time to focus on yourself. You can talk to friends, family members, and a professional counselor if you need to.
In addition to emotional support, you may need practical support. Your GP or perinatal psychiatrist can prescribe anti-depressants to help control symptoms. There are also many other treatments available. These include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which activates electro-currents in the brain to help with severe symptoms of PND.
The benefits of treatment depend on your personal circumstances. Your perinatal psychiatrist may prescribe other medications if your symptoms do not improve with anti-depressants. They may also be able to recommend a PND support group. There are also online communities that provide support for people suffering from postnatal depression.
The stigma surrounding mental health issues can prevent women from seeking specialized treatment. This can lead to feelings of weakness and lack of support. Some women are also afraid to seek help, believing that it will make them look like they are not in control of their situation.
If you suspect that your partner is suffering from postnatal depression, it is crucial to get them help. Your GP or perinatal psychiatrist is your first port of call. They can help you identify PND and suggest appropriate treatments.
Getting support for postnatal depression can also involve talking to other mums and dads who have had similar experiences. It can be a therapeutic experience and will help you understand that you have done nothing wrong. You should also discuss your feelings with your partner.
There are many services that can help you and your partner recover from PND. These include PANDAS Foundation, which offers free support for dads. There are also online forums, as well as charity organizations.
You can also contact your local public health nurse for advice. They can provide you with a list of PND support groups in your area. They can also refer you to Nurture.
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Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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