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Postpartum depression. We’ve heard a lot about it over the
past few years, but still, very few
women know the real deal
when it comes to understanding its scope, diagnosis and impact.
Here, expert Susan Ellis Murphy discusses the symptoms, risk factors and treatment options
for perinatal mood disorders, a designation that brings postpartum depression into a new light,
heralding a new—and ultimately happier—day for moms and moms-to-be.
Many of us are now familiar with postpartum depression (PPD), due in large measure to high-profile survivors, such as New Jersey’s former First Lady Mary Jo Codey and actresses Brooke Shields and Gwyneth Paltrow, who spoke out with courage and conviction about their experiences with PPD. They helped to reduce the stigma and raise awareness of the symptoms and treatment of this illness, which affects approximately one in eight women. However, most people do not realize that depression can occur at any point during pregnancy, not just after the delivery of a child.
Many physical and emotional changes occur before and after giving birth. Most women experience mixed and often contradictory feelings, sometimes referred to as “baby blues” after delivery, which gradually diminish as they settle into the new routines of motherhood.
What Is a Perinatal Mood Disorder?
Mood disorders cause distress and adversely affect daily functioning and personal relationships. If left untreated, they can have long-term adverse effects on the baby. Fortunately, effective treatment is readily available.
Symptoms range from mild to severe. Early diagnosis is important, so women need to know the signs and symptoms of perinatal mood disorders. Husbands, partners, friends and family members can help. Often, they recognize a problem even before the woman herself.
What Causes Perinatal Mood Disorders?
The exact causes of these disorders are unknown, but here are some factors that may contribute to their onset:
Who Is at Risk?
Perinatal mood disorders can affect any woman of any age, race or economic background who:
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms—which may appear during pregnancy, or up to one year after delivery—are varied. Common symptoms are:
Note that while most women experience a brief period of “baby blues” after having a baby, very few women experience extreme symptoms.
How Are Perinatal Mood Disorders Treated?
Perinatal mood disorders, even the most severe cases, are highly treatable, but as with many illnesses, the earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is. A woman’s ob-gyn, family physician and pediatrician can all be effective starting points for assessment and referral for psychological treatment.
The first step to getting appropriate treatment is to visit a doctor for a complete diagnostic evaluation, including a history of symptoms, their severity, whether they have occurred before and, if so, how they were treated.
A person with a perinatal mood disorder can be treated through a number of methods—the most common being medication and psychotherapy. Women and their doctors need to consider the potential risks and benefits, and then make a treatment plan based on individual needs and circumstances.
In short, there is no need for a woman to suffer alone with a perinatal mood disorder during this remarkable period in her life—perinatal mood disorders are treatable and help is available.
States like New Jersey are on the forefront nationally in developing resources to help women with PPD and other perinatal mood disorders. Three years ago, New Jersey enacted a law requiring all hospitals and birthing centers to screen new mothers for the signs of PPD. Prior to that, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services launched a comprehensive public awareness campaign in 2005 to educate consumers and health care professional about PPD. Resources include an informational website (www.njspeakup.gov) and a toll-free telephone help line (800.328.3838) for general questions and information about treatment services and support groups.
Susan Ellis Murphy, MA, BSN, RNC-OB, LPC, is a coordinator for Regional Postpartum Depression Support Services at the Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative in Pennsauken, N.J.
Resources:
www.postpartum.net
www.ppdsupportpage.com
www.ppdhope.com
www.womenshealth.gov
www.womensmentalhealth.org
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