What Part Of The Brain Does Ppd Affect
A study looked at the role of glutamate in postpartum depression and found that women with PPD had higher levels of glutamate in the prefrontal cortex than those without PPD.
Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that has been shown to play an important role in the symptoms of depression. It helps regulate mood, emotion and memory.
The prefrontal cortex is responsible for complex thought and decision making, as well as emotion.
Why Choose Magee
Magee-Womens Hospital has experts in behavioral health who can tailor treatment to your needs and wishes. We have a range of counseling options and classes for you and your family. Our experts are dedicated to providing care for women at this stage in their lives. Call us at 412-641-1238 to speak with a member of our staff.
Who Is At Risk
Any new mother can experience symptoms of peripartum depression or other mood disorder. Women are at increased risk of depression during or after pregnancy if they have previously experienced depression or other mood disorders, if they are experiencing particularly stressful life events in addition to the pregnancy, or if they do not have the support of family and friends.
Research suggests that rapid changes in sex and stress hormones and thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy and after delivery have a strong effect on moods and may contribute to peripartum depression. Other factors include physical changes related to pregnancy, changes in relationships and at work, worries about parenting and lack of sleep.
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What Should I Do If I Have Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression
- Your baby blues dont go away after 2 weeks
- Symptoms of depression get more and more intense
- Symptoms of depression begin within 1 year of delivery and last more than 2 weeks
- It is difficult to work or get things done at home
- You cannot care for yourself or your baby
- You have thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby
Ask your partner or a loved one to call for you if necessary. Your doctor, nurse, or midwife can ask you questions to test for depression. They can also refer you to a mental health professional for help and treatment.
Do I Need Health Insurance To Receive This Service
The referral service is free of charge. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, we will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.
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Treatments For Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression can be lonely, distressing and frightening, but support and effective treatments are available.
These include:
- self-help things you can try yourself include talking to your family and friends about your feelings and what they can do to help, making time for yourself to do things you enjoy, resting whenever you get the chance, getting as much sleep as you can at night, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet
- psychological therapy a GP may be able to recommend a self-help course or may refer you for a course of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy
- antidepressants these may be recommended if your depression is more severe or other treatments have not helped your doctor can prescribe a medicine that’s safe to take while breastfeeding
Local and national organisations, such as the Association for Post Natal Illness and Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support , can also be useful sources of help and advice.
Is It Postpartum Depression Or Baby Blues
Many parents experience low moods or even sadness for a few days following birth, which can be attributed to hormonal changes and are entirely normal. About 80% of women experience baby blues, starting within the first two or three days after birth and lasting for up to two weeks.
Symptoms that last longer than a couple of weeksincluding thoughts or plans of hurting yourself or the baby, hallucinations, or other symptoms of psychosisshould be brought to your doctor immediately. Baby blues usually resolve independently of further treatment.3
Signs of baby blues may include the following:
- Difficulty concentrating
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What Happens During A Postpartum Depression Screening
Your provider may give you a questionnaire called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale . The EPDS includes 10 questions about your mood and feelings of anxiety. He or she may ask you other questions in addition to or instead of the EPDS. Your provider may also order a blood test to find out if a disorder, such as thyroid disease, may be causing your depression.
During a blood test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
Research On Genetic Markers For Postpartum Depression
There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that PPD is more heritable than non-perinatal depression.
Studies on the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of PPD are still in their infancy, but they suggest that there are biological predictors for PPD, including genes associated with the HPA axis and stress response on the prefrontal cortex.
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Psychological And Psychosocial Treatments For Postpartum Depression
Many mothers with postpartum depression are hesitant to take antidepressants due to concerns about infant exposure to medication through breast milk or concerns about potential side effects,95 and therefore often prefer psychological treatments.49,50,96 Although relatively few studies have systematically investigated nonpharmacologic treatments for PPD, existing research supports the use of both psychological treatments , as well as psychosocial interventions, such as nondirective counseling. A Cochrane meta-analysis of ten randomized controlled trials of psychosocial and psychological treatments for postpartum depression concluded that both psychosocial and psychological interventions are effective in decreasing depression and are viable treatment options for postpartum depression.97
Interpersonal therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Nondirective counseling
Peer and partner support
Comparisons of psychological and psychosocial treatments
A recent meta-analysis compared psychological and psychosocial interventions for PPD, including CBT, IPT, and nondirective counseling, as well as peer support.121 This study did not find any difference in effect size for any of these treatments, and concluded that different types of psychological interventions seem equally effective for treatment of PPD.
Prevention Of Postpartum Depression
The pregnant mother will be monitored by the healthcare provider for signs and symptoms of depression while still pregnant. During and after the pregnancy, the healthcare provider may ask the patient to fill out a depression screening questionnaire. Mild depression can sometimes be treated with the help of support groups, counseling, or other therapies. Antidepressants may be prescribed for different conditions, including during pregnancy.
Here are some suggestions to help a patient cope with postpartum depression:
- Find someone to talk to, whether its a therapist, a friend, a family member, or someone who will listen.
- Join a new parent support group.
- Make an effort to eat nutritious foods and schedule time for exercise.
- Make rest a priority.
- Spend time with friends or loved ones.
- Make time for self and things usually enjoyed such as reading or other hobbies.
- Get assistance with daily tasks or errands.
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Fathers: Pregnancy/childbirth And Depression
New fathers can also experience symptoms of peripartum depression. Symptoms may include fatigue and changes in eating or sleeping. An estimated 4% of fathers experience depression in the first year after their childs birth. Younger fathers, those with a history of depression and fathers with financial difficulties are at increased risk of experiencing depression.1
How Partners Family And Friends Can Help
Strong support from partners, family and friends is very important. Here are some suggestions from Moms Mental Health Matters, a National Institutes for Health initiative, for how loved ones can help:
- Know the Signs. Learn to recognize the symptoms of depression and anxiety and if you see signs, urge her to see a health care provider.
- Listen to Her. Let her know you want to hear her concerns. For example, “I notice you are having trouble sleeping, even when the baby sleeps. What’s on your mind?”
- Give Her Support. Let her know she’s not alone and you are here to help. Try offering to help with household tasks or watching the baby while she gets some rest or visits friends.
- Encourage her to seek help if needed. She may feel uncomfortable and not want to seek help. Encourage her to talk with a health care provider. Share some information on peripartum conditions. Offer to make an appointment for her talk with someone.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at for free and confidential emotional supportthey talk about more than just suicide.
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Treatment Goals And Considerations
The main goal of treatment for postpartum depression and major depressive disorder is the reduction of symptoms, with an ultimate goal of symptom remission.
The treatments should also be feasible- meaning that they are both acceptable to the patient and practical to administer- and aim to minimize side effects and adverse outcomes.
Expert Advice From The Postpartum Stress Center
1. Choose the doctor you are most comfortable with, whether it’s your obstetrician, pediatrician, or family doctor. Select the doctor you feel you can trust and who is least likely to dismiss your concerns. Most women wait longer than they should to let their doctor know how they are feeling. The longer you wait, the longer it will take to feel better. Let your doctor know as soon as you become worried about the way you are feeling.
2. Get information about PPD. Learn about it so you can be adequately informed and ask the questions you need to ask. Do not be afraid to talk about your feelings. Be as specific as possible. Write down your symptoms, your questions, and your concerns so you don’t forget to mention anything. Bring the list to the office with you. Be sure to mention any previous experience with depression or anxiety.
3. Make sure your doctor knows how bad you are feeling. If some things are hard to talk about, try anyway. Let your doctor know if you are having scary thoughts or symptoms that are frightening you. These are symptoms, not reflections of your ability to be a good mother. Good mothers feel bad too.
5. Ask your doctor to check your thyroid functioning and do a complete blood count so you can rule out any physical factors contributing to your symptoms.
7. Ask for a referral to a good therapist who can help support you during this difficult transition.
If you think you may have postpartum depression, answer these simple screening questions.
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Assemble A Postpartum Support Team
It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes one to become a parent too. Dr. Gray advises her patients to assemble a postpartum care team during the third trimester or at least three months ahead of a planned birthfor example, if youre expecting via surrogacy or are an adoptive parentto help prepare for all the transitions that happen shortly after birth. This team not only includes close family and friends, but also your ob-gyn or midwife, and if financially feasible, a lactation consultant, mental health counselor, doula, and pelvic floor physical therapist. While your health insurance may help cover some of the costs of these services, you will probably have to pay for the bulk of it out of pocket.
Ideally, if you are the one giving birth, you want to be checking in regularly with your ob-gyn or midwife and pelvic floor physical therapist about your recovery and the progress of your healing. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, your first checkup with your provider should be within 3 weeks after birth, but if you had complications during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, you should have a checkup even sooner, about 3 to 10 days after birth. However, you dont have to wait until your appointment to reach out to your doctor: You can check in with them a few days after birth, especially if you have any concerns about your recovery.
How Depression Affects Fathers
Some fathers also report symptoms of depression. To better understand the experiences of fathers, PRAMS implemented a PRAMS for Dads pilot project. The pilot projectexternal icon in Georgia found 1 in 10 fathers reported depressive symptoms since the birth of their new baby. Studies such as PRAMS for Dads can help quantify mens health behaviors and service needs.
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Is Postpartum Depression Genetic
Postpartum depression can be genetic according to a study led by Zachary Kaminsky, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Researchers discovered specific chemical alterations in two genes that, when present during pregnancy, reliably predict whether a woman will develop postpartum depression.
The two genes, TTC9B and HP1BP3, were highly correlated with the development of postpartum depression. This means that if someone in your family has suffered from postpartum depression, you are more likely to experience it yourself.
However, it is important to note that not everyone who carries these genes will develop postpartum depression and there are many other factors that contribute to its development.
Freida Pinto Opens Up About Her Experience With Postpartum Depression
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To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories.
Last year, while pregnant with her first child, actor, producer, and postpartum care brand Anyas chief impact officer Freida Pinto spoke to Vogue about changing the harmful narrative that women need to bounce back from pregnancy. Im 13 months postpartumthere is no bouncing back because youre changed forever, says Pinto, speaking over the phone from Austin, Texas, where she describes the air is a bit cleaner and the days a bit slower than her familys alternate hub in Los Angeles. Its a welcome change of pace.
Now, with firsthand experience of the highs and lows of motherhood, Pinto wants to share her perspective on the uncontrollable, unforeseeable moments of being a new parent and battling postpartum depression. I think its almost easier to talk about the physical level, she says, noting that shes finding her core and back strength again while dealing with abdominal wall separation. But on a mental level and an emotional level, you cant necessarily always explain anxiety and expression in words like I feel pain in my knee, or in my lower back, so it starts making that illness invisible, and because its invisible, it starts getting ignored.
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Risk Factors To Postpartum Depression
- History of depression. If the woman was diagnosed with depression prior to the pregnancy, there is a probability that it will resurface after birth.
- Low self-confidence. A woman with poor self-esteem may have insecurity when making decisions and may be reluctant to leave the baby alone.
- Workplace and home stress. If the womans stress is not addressed, it will most likely lead to depression.
- Lack of support system. Emotional support is crucial in a womans recovery from postpartum depression. The woman may sink deeper into depression when theres no one to talk to or support her.
Can Postpartum Depression Affect My Baby
Yes, postpartum depression can affect your baby. Getting treatment is important for both you and your baby.
Research suggests that postpartum depression can affect your baby in the following ways:
- You have trouble bonding with your baby and don’t establish a connection with them.
- Your child may have behavior or learning problems.
- You may skip appointments with your child’s pediatrician.
- Your child may have feeding and sleeping issues.
- Your child may be at higher risk for obesity or developmental disorders.
- You may neglect your child’s care or not recognize when they are ill.
- Your baby may have impaired social skills.
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Can Postpartum Depression Be Prevented
Postpartum depression isn’t entirely preventable. It helps to know warning signs of the condition and what factors increase your risk. Here are some tips that can help prevent postpartum depression:
- Be realistic about your expectations for yourself and your baby.
- Limit visitors when you first go home.
- Ask for help â let others know how they can help you.
- Sleep or rest when your baby sleeps.
- Exercise â take a walk and get out of the house for a break.
- Keep in touch with your family and friends â don’t isolate yourself.
- Foster your relationship with your partner â make time for each other.
- Expect some good days and some bad days.
What Can You Do To Combat Postpartum Depression
Although the exact cause of PPD is not known, it may start during a womans pregnancy, after the babys first month, and in some cases up to a year after childbirth. Some of the symptoms that a woman may experience when suffering PPD include feelings of hopelessness, severe anger and aggression, withdrawal from family and friends, severe panic attacks, overwhelming fatigue, and loss of energy.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine physician Lim Sock Ling, PPD can also lead to postpartum psychosis. This rare mood disorder occurs in 1 or 2 out of 1000 women after childbirth.
Unmanaged PPD can also contribute to an increased risk of child neglect or mistreatment by the mother. Similarly, it can also make it difficult for mothers to connect with their babies, leading to poor attachment and child development. Its essential to know and understand the signs of PPD. Early detection may help ease the symptoms.
We talk to mothers who have previously experienced PPD and they share their journey in discovering how to overcome their struggles.
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