Post-partum depression

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Post-partum depression

Alternative Names:

Depression - postpartum

Treatment:

The treatment for depression after birth often includes medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Fortunately, several anti-depressant medications may be given to breast-feeding mothers.

Once depression is diagnosed, the woman will need to be followed closely for at least six months.

Support Groups:

Participation in support groups may be valuable, but should be considered an addition to, not a substitute for, medication or formal psychotherapy. Call (800) 4-A-Child to talk to a counselor or get a referral for local support groups. Also, the National Association of Postpartum Care Services at (800) 45-DOULA can direct you to fee-based local services to give you a rest or stay up with the baby at night.

Expectations (prognosis):

Medication and therapy are often effective in reducing or eliminating symptoms.

Those with underlying hypothyroidism can be treated by taking a pill form of the hormone. However, the two conditions -- depression and hypothyroidism -- can co-exist and may both require treatment.

Complications:

If left untreated, post-partum depression can last for months or years. The potential long-term complications are the same as in major depression.

Calling your health care provider:

Notify your doctor or pediatrician if your moodiness after pregnancy lasts more than three weeks, especially if you have any of the symptoms of post-partum depression or you have any of the risks for it.

Do not be afraid to seek help immediately if you feel overwhelmed and are afraid that you may hurt your baby.

Many women start experiencing some symptoms of post-partum depression even prior to the birth. There is no reason to wait and "see if they will just go away". Notify your obstetrician or primary care provider immediately.

Review Date: 10/16/2004
Reviewed By: Updates to specific sections made by Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by John Goldenring, M.D., MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, and Angela Smyth, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Reviews provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (11/12/2003).

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