Postpartum Depression

  •   Tue, Feb 22 2022
  •   By Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor

February 22, 2022 

Radhika is a 30-year-old lady with a two-month-old daughter. Ever since she delivered she has been feeling very sad all the time. She is unable to look after herself and her child. She has been crying often and thinking that it is better for her to run away. Her husband is a shopkeeper and has to work till late in the night. She feels there is no one to help her. Radhika keeps lying in bed, unable to do any work. One day when she had decided to overdose on fever tablets, her husband saw her just in time and brought her to psychiatrist for treatment.

What was described above is a typical case of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression occurs in 10 to 20% of all the deliveries.

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

Feeling sad all the time
Lack of energy
Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
Unable to do work
Crying spells and irritability
Feeling worthless helpless and hopeless
Loss of libido
Lack of sleep
Death wishes and suicidal ideation
Thoughts of harming the baby

What are the causes of postpartum depression?

Past history of depression
Family history of depression
Poor social support
Marital difficulties
Personality factors
Substance abuse
Uncontrolled medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and diabetes

What is the course of postpartum depression?

Almost 80% of all women who deliver go through postpartum blues. This is characterised by sadness, weeping, poor sleep, irritation, lack of interest. But postpartum blues are self-limiting. Most women recover without any problems.
But postpartum depression is more serious and requires urgent attention. It is important to understand that it is a common condition. Though child birth is a joyous occasion for the family, but it also brings additional responsibilities and financial burden. The new mother who is already exhausted due to sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, is rendered helpless due to depression. Family support is very important here. Mild cases can be managed by counselling alone.

Moderate to severe cases require medical treatment in addition to therapy.

Left untreated depression may become chronic or severe and in few unfortunate cases, the mother may commit suicide. Depression also inhibits the bonding between the mother and child resulting in  mother infant relationship disorders. Here the mother may not feel love and emotions towards the baby and may not be able to look after it well.

How to treat postpartum depression?

Detailed assessment is done. The severity of depression is assessed. Family members are involved in treatment.

In mild cases, cognitive behaviour therapy, supportive psychotherapy and interpersonal therapy helps.

In moderate to severe cases, a combination of anti-depressant and therapy is given. Certain antidepressants can be given safely and do not get much secreted into the breast milk. These are preferred for treatment. First episode of depression is treated for a minimum period of 6 to 9 months.

In very severe cases with suicidal risk, electro convulsive therapy is life saving and very effective.

Conclusion

Postpartum depression is a common problem. It is important to recognise it early. Prompt treatment has good results. The health of the mother and the baby improves. Family support and care from the spouse is as important as medication. Treating postpartum depression makes this period truly blissful!

 

 

 
By Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor
Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor is a consultant psychiatrist at Arogya polyclinic Falnir & professor and head of department of Psychiatry at Father Muller’s Medical College.
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Comment on this article

  • Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbairt

    Fri, Feb 25 2022

    Thanks doc for increasing awareness on a less known malady which can end up with fatal results! Many a times it would be thought of as purposefully done! Most from lower strata of society infer it to be the consequences of occult practices or invasion by evil spirits going to temples or babas who loot them and as the illness advances it could prove fatal! Increasing awareness is of paramount importance, in a country like India where people follow so many myths and irrational beliefs, that one can take help at the earliest findings of abnormal behaviour!

  • Ben D'Souza Prabhu, Mangalore, Bombay Bandra now in Canada

    Thu, Feb 24 2022

    Appealing earnestly to our Gifted Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor to render whatever Medical Help n Assistence possible within her Professional reach. I am personally Grateful to you dear Dr. !!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR IMMENSE KINDNESS !

  • Robert Cardoza, Belman

    Thu, Feb 24 2022

    Very helpful article, specially for conceiving women. In most of circumstances people have misconception that this kind of behaviour be because of possession of evil spirit. Or in other cases we cannot express the pain or may be ashamed. Besides all other illness mental sickness is also to be treated. So many lives have lost because it is hidden or due to blind beliefs. I suggest everyone if any such kind of depression occurs, do not hesitate to share with whom you trust. Thank you Dr. Supriya for seeding awareness in people.


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