Postpartum Depression Treatment
Pregnancy and birth can be an especially vulnerable time for women. It is not uncommon for new mothers to feel sad or anxious during pregnancy and after giving birth — a phenomenon called “baby blues.” But when baby blues interferes with daily life and lasts longer than two weeks, it may be a sign of postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is often confused for the baby blues, except that postpartum depression doesn’t go away on its own. Furthermore, the symptoms of PPD are more intense, can interfere with day-to-day life, and can make it difficult to care for your baby.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Severe mood swings
- Excessive crying
- Appetite changes, including eating more than usual or loss of appetite
- Intense anger and irritability
- Loss of energy and overwhelming fatigue
- Insomnia
- Inability to think clearly or concentrate
- Severe anxiety that may include panic attacks
- Thoughts of hurting your baby or yourself
- Feeling worthless, inadequate, or ashamed
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
Causes of Postpartum Depression
Physical changes: during pregnancy and childbirth, hormones like estrogen and progesterone fluctuation. After delivery significant drops in these hormones, as well as other hormones produced by the thyroid, can contribute to PPD.q
Emotional issues: sleep deprivation can lead to feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Additionally, pregnancy takes a toll on the body and can leave new moms feeling unattractive or struggling with their sense of self-worth. It is not uncommon to feel a loss of identity during the transition into parenthood.
Risk factors
- A history of depression
- Previous instances of PPD
- Bipolar disorder
- Multiple (i.e. twins, triplets) birth
- Environmental stress, such as financial or relationship difficulties
- Major life events, like job changes, moving, or the death of a loved one
- Thyroid imbalance
- Diabetes
- Lack of support network
- Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
- Baby has special needs
- Pregnancy complications
Types of Treatment for PPD
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- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Individual, group, and family sessions
- Experiential therapies
Occasionally, certain prescription medications may be recommended to ease some of the symptoms of postpartum depression.
Postpartum Depression Treatment in West Palm beach
Dr. Alam is an internationally renowned psychiatrist with academic affiliations with Northwestern University and University of Illinois, Chicago where he completed his residency training. He has been a principal investigator for over forty studies and has been involved in research leading to the approval of most psychiatric medications currently on the market. He is the founder of the Neuroscience Research Institute which continues to conduct research on cutting edge medication and interventional psychiatry. Dr. Alam is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. He has won several awards and has been featured extensively on radio and television.
