Abstract

POSTPARTUM MOOD DISORDERS: A THREAT TO NEW MOTHERS AND INFANTS

Divya Budarapu* and Jeevana Jyothi Bandela

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Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum mood disorders like postpartum depression (PPD) may affect women after child birth. History: It is often observed in patients who have past history of major depression post pregnancy and during pregnancy. It is difficult to recognise mothers suffering with postpartum depression that leads to delay in their treatment. Postpartum mood disorders have a negative impact on mother and child bonding which affects child growth and development. Treatment: Treatment protocol of the patient is based on the symptom severity. Mild cases of postpartum mood disorders, can be treated with psychotherapy. In moderate to severe cases, treatment protocol starts with psychotherapy and progress to pharmacotherapy. Pharmacological treatment for PPD is similar to major depression in terms of antidepressant dose. In severe cases of PPD, electro convulsive therapy (ECT) showed better results. Conclusion: The percentage of women suffering with PPD has increased drastically due to the situations like COVID restrictions, nuclear families, lack of help from family members, life style modifications, marital dissatisfaction, lack of support from partner, lack of idea in handling a baby.

Keywords: Psychotherapy, antidepressant, pharmacotherapy, depression, pregnancy.