Signs and tests
There is no single test to diagnose post-partum depression. The best
screening tool is the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Click here to
view. Your Health Care Practitioner may have you complete a questionnaire
at your office visit to look for signs of depression or risks for depression.
Good Website for information: PostPartum Depression
Sometimes depression following pregnancy can be related to other medical
conditions. Hypothyroidism, for example, causes symptoms such as fatigue,
irritability, and depression. Women with post-partum depression should
have a blood test to screen for low thyroid hormones.
Treatment
The treatment for depression after birth often includes medication, therapy,
or a combination of both. There are several types of antidepressant
medications that may be given to breastfeeding mothers.
If you are thinking of harming yourself or your infant, seek immediate
professional help. If depression is diagnosed, you may need to be followed
closely for at least 6 months. The professionals at the Center for Brief
Therapy are trained to diagnose and treat PostPartum Depression. Click
here to view our staff.
Support Groups 260-435-7069 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne,
Indiana
Participating in support groups may be valuable, but should be combined
with medication and formal psychotherapy.
Expectations (prognosis)
Medication and professional counseling are often successful in reducing or
eliminating symptoms.
Complications
If left untreated, post-partum depression can last for months or years, and
you may be at risk of harming yourself or your baby.
The potential long-term complications are the same as in major depression.
There is no single test to diagnose post-partum depression. The best
screening tool is the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Click here to
view. Your Health Care Practitioner may have you complete a questionnaire
at your office visit to look for signs of depression or risks for depression.
Good Website for information: PostPartum Depression
Sometimes depression following pregnancy can be related to other medical
conditions. Hypothyroidism, for example, causes symptoms such as fatigue,
irritability, and depression. Women with post-partum depression should
have a blood test to screen for low thyroid hormones.
Treatment
The treatment for depression after birth often includes medication, therapy,
or a combination of both. There are several types of antidepressant
medications that may be given to breastfeeding mothers.
If you are thinking of harming yourself or your infant, seek immediate
professional help. If depression is diagnosed, you may need to be followed
closely for at least 6 months. The professionals at the Center for Brief
Therapy are trained to diagnose and treat PostPartum Depression. Click
here to view our staff.
Support Groups 260-435-7069 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne,
Indiana
Participating in support groups may be valuable, but should be combined
with medication and formal psychotherapy.
Expectations (prognosis)
Medication and professional counseling are often successful in reducing or
eliminating symptoms.
Complications
If left untreated, post-partum depression can last for months or years, and
you may be at risk of harming yourself or your baby.
The potential long-term complications are the same as in major depression.
PostPartum Depression is real
| "Baby Blues?" or something more serious? |
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