Treatments for Postpartum Depression
Treatment for postpartum depression is, in most cases, similar to treatment for clinical depression. Therapy and depression medications are often used in conjunction to treat postpartum depression.
In addition to standard depression treatments, postpartum depression is sometimes treated with hormonal therapy. If traditional treatment for postpartum depression fails, new treatment options, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, may be an option.
Postpartum Depression Therapy
Talk therapy has a long history as a depression treatment. Women who are concerned about the effect of depression medication on breastfeeding infants may opt for psychotherapy instead. Therapy may also be used in combination with antidepressants to treat postpartum depression.
Possible therapy-related treatment for postpartum depression includes:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people to identify the thoughts that trigger postpartum depression symptoms and combats depression by changing thought patterns and habits.
- Interpersonal therapy focuses on changing relationships and the woman’s new role as a parent.
- Marital therapy, or family counseling, is an option if marital conflict or lack of support caring for the newborn is a concern.
Antidepressants and Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Women who are breastfeeding may be hesitant to take antidepressants. However, the most common types of antidepressants are generally safe to take while breastfeeding and may be required for severe postpartum depression symptoms.
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and tricyclic antidepressants may be prescribed while breastfeeding. SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are less likely to be prescribed, as the effect of these medications on breastfeeding infants has not been conclusively studied.
Hormone Therapy for Postpartum Depression
Hormonal changes may be a cause of postpartum depression. Treatment for postpartum depression may include hormone therapy with estrogen to slow the rapid drop of estrogen levels after childbirth. The effectiveness of estrogen therapy as a treatment for postpartum depression, however, is yet to be determined.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Postpartum Depression
While therapy and antidepressants are often successful treatment for postpartum depression, not all women respond to such treatment. Should traditional treatments prove ineffective, other treatment options are available.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is an FDA-cleared treatment for cases of major depression that do not respond to therapy or depression medication. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, uses powerful magnetic fields to stimulate electric currents in areas of the brain that affect mood. These electric impulses are painless, so unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not require an anesthetic.
The variety of different treatments for postpartum depression means that an effective treatment can be found for almost every case of postpartum depression. The sooner help is sought for postpartum depression symptoms, the sooner women can get relief for this very treatable condition.
Resources
Epperson, C. (1999). Postpartum major depression: Detection and treatment. Retrieved May 12, 2010, from the American Academy of Family Physicians website: www.aafp.org/afp/990415ap/2247.html.
Leopold, K.; Zoschnick, L. (n.d.). Postpartum depression. Retrieved May 12, 2010, from the Obgyn website: www.obgyn.net/femalepatient/femalepatient.asp?page=leopold.
Mayo Clinic staff. (2008). Postpartum depression: Treatments and drugs. Retrieved May 12, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/ds00546/dsection=treatments-and-drugs.
Mayo Clinic staff. (2009). Transcranial magnetic stimulation. Retrieved May 17, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/MY00185.
University of Michigan Depression Center Staff. (n.d.). Women and depression: Postpartum depression. Retrieved May 12, 2010, from the University of Michigan Depression Center website: www.depressioncenter.org/understanding/postpartum.asp.