Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Postpartum Depression - Treatment

Numerous scientific studies support the notion that postpartum depression is treatable using a variety of methods. If due to postpartum sadness can be identified as social risk factors, treatment should be directed to support partner, cognitive therapy and help with child care.
Treatments include:Medical evaluation to rule-psychological problemsCognitive Therapy, medication, support groupsHome-visits, healthy diet, adequate sleep.
Pharmacological Therapy:It is indicated for moderate to severe symptoms or when a woman does not respond to pharmacological treatment. Medication can be used in conjunction with pharmacological therapies.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are first line agents and effective in women who do not respond to pharmacological treatment. Medication can be used with nonfrmacologice therapies. Their adverse effects include insomnia, nausea, appetite suppression, headaches and sexual dysfunction.
Tricyclic antidepressants can be useful for women with sleep disorders, although some studies suggest that women respond better to treatment with serotonin. Side effects include sedation, gaining weight, dry mouth, constipation and sexual dysfunction. Typical symptoms begins to diminish after 2-4 weeks. a complete remission may require several months. In those who respond partially to increase the dose may be required.
Anxiolytic agents such as lorazepam and clonazepamul may be useful as additional treatment in patients with anxiety and sleep disorders. Some data suggest that estrogen, single or in combination with antidepressants may be beneficial.Antidepressants remain the first line of treatment.
If this is the first episode of depression, 6-12 months of treatment are recommended.For women with recurrent major depression, long-term maintenance treatment with antidepressants is necessary.Treatment failure can cause damage to the relationship between mother and child or partner. It can also increase the risk for mother and child, and compromised physical and social development of the child. Early initiation of treatment is associated with a better prognosis.
Breastfeeding and psychotropic therapy:Women who breast feed their children should be informed that all psychotropics, including antidepressants are secreted in breast milk. Concentrations vary widely.Women treated with valproic acid and carbamazepine should avoid breastfeeding because these drugs are associated with hepatotoxicity in children. Women treated with lithium should be cautious because lithium is secreted in large amounts in milk and cause significant toxicity in children.
Nutrition:Pregnant women, breastfeeding and the postpartum are encouraged to inform themselves of adequate nutrition.Omega-3: some experts believe that postpartum depression can be attributed to the depletion of omega-3 fatty acids in the brains of mother to child support brain development or by breastfeeding. This can be prevented by ensuring that the mother's diet without a sufficient amount of fatty acids. Natural sources include omega-3 fish oil, meat from animals fed on grass and not grain and eggs. Acids can be picked supplement in capsule form.
Proteins can be found in a wide variety of foods: meat, eggs, cheese.
Hydration is one of the most important in a diet. The recommended intake of 8 glasses of water a day. Nursing mothers should drink a glass of liquid before breastfeeding.
Vitamins should be taken as medical advice.Vitamins B: some limited studies indicate that taking B vitamins, especially riboflavin may help reduce postpartum depression.
The impact of postpartum depression on children:A large number of studies suggest that mother's attitude and behavior towards the child significantly affects the mother-child connection, and child development. Postpartum depression can adversely affect the mother-child interactions. Mothers with postpartum depression are more likely to manifest negative attitudes towards the child.Children of mothers with these problems shows the most common behavioral disorders (sleep disorders, eating disorders, hyperactivity), delay in cognitive, emotional and social disorders and early onset of depressive illness.
Prevention:Early identification and intervention improves the prognosis for most women. Some successes from treatment there. A large part of prevention includes avoiding risk factors. social community plays an important role in identifying and treating postpartum depression. Women should be supervised by a physician to detect early depression.Also exercise and proper nutrition seem to play a role in preventing postpartum depression and general depression.

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