Postpartum Depression: Prevention and Multimodal Therapy
October 2018
in “
Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences
”
TLDR Early screening and a mix of treatments help manage postpartum depression.
The document reviewed postpartum depression, affecting up to 15% of women after childbirth, with symptoms like sadness, anxiety, and fatigue. It highlighted the condition's impact on both the mother and child's development, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and a comprehensive therapeutic approach. The risk was higher during the postpartum period, affecting about 1 in 4–7 women. A multimodal approach was recommended, including lifestyle adjustments, counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and antidepressants, with a focus on minimizing side effects to allow continued breastfeeding. Early screening and tailored treatment were crucial for improving outcomes, and healthcare professionals were urged to regularly evaluate and monitor women at risk.