Postpartum Depression
Alternate Names : Baby Blues
What are the treatments for the condition?
The two most common ways of treating depression are with antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. Often a combination is used. Occasionally a woman must be hospitalized for intense treatment or for her own safety. Antidepressant medications are effective in the following ways:
increasing the woman's ability to function in daily life
lowering the risk of suicide
making the woman feel better
The following types of medications are used to treat depression:
monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, such as phenelzine sulfate and tranylcypromine sulfate
other antidepressants, such as nefazodone and venlafaxine
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, including paroxetine HCl and fluoxetine HCl
tetracyclic antidepressants, such as maprotiline HCl and mirtazapine
tricyclic antidepressants, also called TCAs, including amitripyline HCl and desipramine HCl
A woman with postpartum depression can also benefit from learning about the following coping mechanisms:
accepting help when it is offered and designating where help is needed
arranging for relaxation time
decreasing concern with appearances, such as a tidy house
getting plenty of sleep and rest
including others in care of the newborn when possible
setting priorities for task, such as household tasks
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antidepressants may cause mild and usually temporary side effects in some people. The most common side effects are as follows:
agitation
constipation
dizziness
drowsiness
dry mouth
nausea
What happens after treatment for the condition?
With medication, counseling and support, most cases of postpartum depression improve within 3 to 4 weeks.
How is the condition monitored?
A woman taking an antidepressant medication needs to have blood levels of the drug monitored frequently. She may have regular visits with the healthcare provider until the depression is gone. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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