Taking care of a newborn baby is hard work, especially when you’re physically exhausted from childbirth, operating on very little sleep, and all your hormones are out of whack. Then when you also have to contend with feelings of disappointment and guilt for not meeting your own expectations of blissful motherhood, the postpartum period begins to take a serious toll on your mental health and wellbeing.
One study found that 1 in 7 women in the United States experience postpartum depression (PPD) in the year following childbirth. PPD is defined as an episode of major depressive disorder (MDD) soon after the birth of a child. Postpartum depression is a serious mood disorder that can include mood swings, anger, fatigue, anxiety, excessive crying, the inability to bond with your baby, and a range of other symptoms that interfere with the ability to care for the child.
What are the treatments for postpartum depression?
Successful treatment for postpartum depression typically involves some combination of psychotherapy and prescription medications. As is common with mental disorders, the most effective treatment will differ for each individual. Whereas one person may find a single method to be sufficient for helping to manage symptoms, another may get the best results with a combination of treatment methods. Working with a mental health professional who is experienced in treating postpartum depression is the best way to ensure that you get a customized treatment plan designed for your particular needs. Here is a brief overview of the two main types of treatment for PPD:
- Postpartum depression therapy
Talk therapy for PPD can be used to develop coping strategies for managing stress and regulating emotions; improve communication skills to navigate parenting partner expectations or intimacy; or process early childhood experiences that may be triggered by the stress of becoming a parent. Group therapy sessions with other parents of newborns can provide a support network of individuals who are experiencing similar struggles and who help identify problem areas and share strategies and solutions.
- Psychiatric medication
Antidepressants are the most common psychiatric medication for postpartum depression. While there are different kinds of antidepressant medications, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are more commonly prescribed for PPD than other types. Both SSRIs and SNRIs affect the way the body transports and processes serotonin, a chemical messenger that acts as a mood stabilizer and impacts sleep and memory functions. There are many different types of antidepressants, and many people need to try more than one before they find the one that works for them. Be sure to let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
The importance of clinical research for PPD
Unfortunately, the above treatment methods don’t work for everyone. Some individuals still struggle with symptoms of postpartum depression after trying a number of different treatment combinations. That’s why clinical research is so important. If you or someone you love has postpartum depression, consider enrolling in a PPD clinical study. You’ll gain access to a medical team that will carefully monitor your health, and free cutting-edge treatments not yet available to the general public. Additionally, your participation will contribute to the development of new and effective treatments for postpartum depression and other mental health disorders.
Postpartum depression clinical trial in San Diego
Synergy Research Centers in San Diego is currently running a clinical trial offering free treatment for mothers with symptoms of postpartum depression. To learn more about the study or to find out if you’re eligible to participate, give us a call at (888) 539-0282 or fill out our contact form today.