The silence that can cost lives!
The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that 85 percent of women worldwide suffer from some type of postpartum mood disorder. Of these, 10-15 percent of women suffer from clinical postpartum depression and 0.1-0.2 percent suffer from postpartum psychosis.
Unfortunately, there are no statistics on postpartum depression in Ukraine, but this does not mean that the problem does not exist. In addition, the war has further exacerbated the psychological and emotional stress of women in labor.
What is postpartum depression and how to recognize it?
Postpartum depression is a medical diagnosis. It is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a form of depression. Postpartum depression can occur in women after childbirth. It usually appears within a month after childbirth.
During this time, a woman may experience a constant feeling of sadness and depression, as well as a loss of interest and curiosity in activities that used to bring her pleasure. She may have trouble sleeping, feel tired all the time, have frequent urges to cry, have suicidal thoughts or feel like harming herself or her child.
During postpartum depression, a woman's appetite may change: she either overeats or does not want to eat at all. She may speak more slowly and move more slowly, or instead be intensely restless and explosive. Of course, not all symptoms appear at the same time. But the difference between depression and fatigue is that when you are exhausted, you can rest, sleep, and you will feel better, while with depression, rest and sleep do not help.
A woman can notice changes in her mood and lack of maternal joy, but more often changes in the mother's behavior and symptoms of postpartum depression are noticed by relatives.
However, the final diagnosis can only be made by a psychiatrist. In addition, you can consult your family doctor, who will suspect depression and make a referral to a psychiatrist. As a treatment for postpartum depression, specialists can offer psychotherapy and antidepressants. Some medications are approved for use during breastfeeding.
Postpartum psychosis - what do you need to know?
Postpartum psychosis usually develops during the first 2-3 weeks after childbirth, but it can also develop later, especially if a woman does not receive adequate support or assistance as she adapts to her new role as a mother.
Symptoms: Symptoms of postpartum psychosis are varied and include severe anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, disorientation, disorganized speech, mood changes, apathy towards the baby, and suicidal thoughts. It is worth noting that the symptoms may be different for each woman, and they may vary in severity.
Risk factors: Several factors increase the risk of developing postpartum psychosis. These include mental disorders in personal or family history, complications of pregnancy or childbirth, inadequate social and emotional support, and physical and emotional overload during motherhood.
Prevalence and treatment: Postpartum psychosis affects approximately 2 in 1000 women and is a serious mental illness that requires medical attention. Treatment may include psychotherapy, support from a psychiatrist, and in some cases, the prescription of antidepressants or antipsychotic medications.
Impact on the child: Undiagnosed postpartum psychosis can affect the child and the mother's relationship with him or her. Early treatment and support can improve outcomes for both mother and child.
With timely and proper treatment, the short-term prognosis is encouraging!
However, there is a high risk of lifelong disability, such as bipolar disorder, and possible relapse.
The Expio Center uses the latest methods of treating postpartum depression.
Antonina Kartushynska
clinical psychologist at the EXPIO Center
