Understanding Postpartum Depression

For mother’s in the Foxboro area experiencing post-partum depression, here is some information that may help you determine if you should seek professional attention. Hormonal changes, as well as stress and lifestyle changes that follow childbirth, can cause mood disturbances. Sometimes, however, this is more severe than just the “baby blues.” Postpartum depression occurs in some women after having a baby, although studies vary widely in the reported prevalence of postpartum depression—anywhere from 5% to 25% of women may experience postpartum depression, which is primarily characterized by the onset of depressive symptoms within the first year after giving birth. Telltale signs include:

·         Sadness

·         Hopelessness

·         Low self-esteem

·         Sleep disturbances

·         Appetite disturbances

·         Feelings of emptiness

·         Inability to be consoled or comforted

·         Social withdrawal

·         Low energy

In postpartum depression, these feelings are often tied to ideas of inability to take care of the baby or feelings of inadequacy as a mother. This often facilitates inappropriate feelings of guilt and self-blame, furthering the depression. Postpartum depression persists for weeks or months, and is not simply a routine mood swing. It generally does not resolve on its own without medical attention.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

Doctors and researchers of the Boston area are still unclear as to what causes postpartum depression, although there are several viable hypotheses. Some scientists have suggested that postpartum depression may arise from depleted vitamins or hormonal changes; however, trials of hormone treatment have not been successful in alleviating the depression, and some of the studies failed to find a demonstrable correlation between hormones and depression. Although hormones may play a role in the etiology of postpartum depression in Boston, they are not likely to be the sole cause. Another complicating factor is that sometimes fathers can also develop postpartum depression, despite not undergoing the same hormonal changes. Another possible cause would be the profound and often stressful lifestyle changes that come with a newborn baby; however, some women experience postpartum depression in their most recent pregnancy without having had it in previous pregnancies.

Although the exact causes of postpartum depression still remain unclear, research has identified some risk factors that may predispose a woman toward being more susceptible to postpartum depression. These risk factors include:

·         Psychological or physiological trauma associated with the birth itself

·         Elevated levels of prolactin, a hormone that plays a role in milk production

·         Depletion of oxytocin, an important hormone implicated in social bonding

·         A prior history of depression

·         Low self-esteem

·         Prenatal depression or anxiety

·         Life stress, including stress related to childcare

·         Unwanted or unplanned pregnancy

·         Low socioeconomic status

It should be noted that although these factors are correlated with postpartum depression, a definite causal relation has yet to be established. Etiologically, postpartum depression is still somewhat a mystery.

Preventing and Treating Postpartum Depression in Boston

For most women in Boston and across the nation who struggle with postpartum depression, early intervention is a key factor in ensuring a good prognosis. Many physicians feel that women who may be at risk should be screened so that psychosocial interventions, namely psychotherapy, can be provided. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a 10-item questionnaire often used by clinicians. Physicians also recommend optimal nutrition during pregnancy and after giving birth, although no causal link has been demonstrated between nutritional problems and postpartum depression.

Treatment for postpartum depression occasionally includes medications but is often more focused on psychotherapeutic modalities. Cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT, is a common method for managing the condition, and has been shown to be equally as effective as the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac), without the side effects. Although research into electroencephalographic correlates of postpartum depression has not yet been undertaken, it remains hypothetically possible that someday neurofeedback therapy could be proven to have efficacy for treating postpartum depression. If you reside in the Foxboro area and would like to schedule a consultation with your local BrainCore clinic to discuss your options call 1-844-BRAIN-ON (272-4666) or visit our website today!