Post Partum Depression
What is Post Partum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that some woman develop after giving birth; it presents with deep fatigue, anxiety, and general despair. Symptoms include long-term sadness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, changes in appetite or sleep patterns and feelings of guilt and worthlessness. PPD can be caused by hormones, psychological vulnerabilities and new-motherhood stressors. It is important to identify and treat this condition early because it determines how the mother can raise her child.
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider should conduct a thorough assessment before making the diagnosis of postpartum depression. Before treatment begins, a thorough clinical interview is conducted to further explore symptoms and history in the context of daily life. The use of standardized assessments, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) helps quantify severity. The latter diagnosis is confirmed by the clinician using the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria. PPD can range in severity from the mild “baby blues,” which resolve on their own within a few weeks after childbirth.
Our Personalized Treatment Approach
We take a tailored treatment approach with postpartum depression, looking at each individual experience and needs. Using the information we gather, a customized treatment plan is molded that could involve psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy to help neutralize negative thoughts and provide healthier coping mechanisms. Sometimes antidepressants can be prescribed as well to help the person cope with their symptoms successfully. Family, friend support groups are also highly encouraged promoting emotional health. Put simply regular follow-ups are how we keep a close eye on your body.
