Depression
Postpartum Depression Treatment
The treatment includes several options such as medication, psychotherapy
and support groups. The best results are achieved when the patient follows
a recovery plan that includes all the three treatment options.
- Medication: The most common types of medication
administered in postpartum depression patients is antidepressants and
serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Some of the antidepressants prescribed
to treat postpartum depression include: Amitriptyline (Elavil), Desipramine,
Norpramin, Imipramine, pamoate (Tofranil-PM), Nortriptyline (Pamelor),
Clomipramine (Anafranil), Bupropion (Wellbutrin),Venlafaxine (Effexor),
Nefazodone (Serzone), Mirtazapine (Remeron). The most common side effects
of the antidepressant medication include: constipation, sedation, weight
gain, orthostatic hypotension, blurred vision, and dry mouth.
- The serotonin reuptake inhibitors prescribed to treat depression include:
Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Paroxetine
(Paxil). The most common side effects of this type of medication include:
headache, nausea, diarrhea, nervousness, sedation, insomnia, and tremor.
- Psychotherapy: There are two major forms
of psychotherapies that have proved to be effective in treating
postpartum depression: (1) interpersonal therapy and
(2) marital counseling. Interpersonal therapy
is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the patient’s
interpersonal relationships and role changing, while marital
counseling focuses on solving marital/couple conflicts.
- Support group: A support group offers
the comfort of shared experiences among people with the same
affliction. It also provides educational and emotional support
by decreasing the person’s sense and feelings of isolation.
If left untreated, the disorder can negatively affect the well-being
of the mother, her relationship with family members, and the child's
emotional, cognitive and social development. |
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If the symptoms occur early (few hours or days after the birth) and
are severe, the woman should seek treatment in the early stages of the
disorder.
If the symptoms occur insidiously and later after birth, the chances
that a woman will seek treatment decrease.
Article by Alina Morrow
MS Psychology
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com |
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