The transition from pregnancy to postpartum can be difficult for moms. Welcoming a newborn baby and starting life afresh can be exciting, but for many women, it is not a journey of emotional bliss. It can cause a variety of powerful emotions – from joy and excitement to fear and anxiety. The stigma of postpartum depression kept it suppressed for many years. But the growing conversation about the struggles of motherhood has opened people’s minds to this reality. In a major step toward acknowledging the seriousness of postpartum depression, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Zurzuve (zuranolone), the first oral medication indicated for the treatment of PPD in adults.
What is postpartum depression?
postpartum depression This is usually a depressive episode that usually occurs after childbirth. The postpartum period is usually the first six weeks after the baby is born. Women may experience a mix of emotions – anxiety, difficulty sleeping, mood swings and crying fits – also known as the ‘baby blues’.
According to Dr Pooja C Thukral, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecologist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Faridabad, baby blues go away in two weeks. But in a section of women, these baby blues can become severe and they may experience depression, anxiety or psychosis. Feelings of sadness, guilt and lack of worth take over. This can affect not only the mother-child relationship but also the personal health of the mother and child.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of postpartum depression, recognize its signs and seek timely diagnosis and treatment.
FDA approves first oral treatment for postpartum depression
Earlier in August 2023, the FDA announced approval for the PPD pill. This is an advancement from the IV injection used by some healthcare facilities for the treatment of postpartum depression.
Tiffany R. Farchione, “Access to oral medication would be a beneficial option for many of these women experiencing extreme and sometimes life-threatening emotions.” And the research was quoted as saying.
The efficacy of the pill has reportedly been demonstrated in two randomized studies considering the safety of mothers and their baby. The FDA recommends a 50 mg daily dose of Zurzuve – once each day, for 14 days, with a fatty meal in the evening.
The pill does not come without side effects. The FDA clearly states that it may cause drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, common cold, and urinary tract infections. In some cases, the use of Zurzuve may cause suicidal thoughts and behavior and even harm to the fetus. “Women should use effective contraception while taking Zurzuve and for one week after taking it,” the FDA says.
Although this may be a positive step in this direction, there is still a long way to go before the pill is authorized for use in India. Until this happens, there is a need to continue efforts toward spreading awareness about postpartum depression, early detection and treatment.
What are the common risk factors for postpartum depression?
Dr Pooja C Thukral says the risk factors for PPD are previous mental illness, discord with a husband or other family members, financial burden, stillbirth, neonatal death and a previous episode of PPD.
Studies have also shown how having a female baby, lack of family support, sick baby or infant death, premature or low birth weight baby, and unwanted or unplanned pregnancy can also increase the chances of postpartum depression. Is.
Common symptoms of postpartum depression
A woman going through postpartum depression may typically go through the following.
* excessive crying
* Decrease in appetite and sleep
* suicidal thoughts
* Thoughts of harming the baby
Click here to read in detail about Symptoms of Postpartum Depression,
How to help someone suffering from postpartum depression?
Immediate family members and close friends can play an important role in assisting the mother by assessing her condition and taking her to a psychologist or psychiatrist to seek treatment.
“If symptoms like feeling depressed, not being able to be a good mother and excessive crying continue for more than two weeks, it is advisable to visit a psychologist. A mother will be evaluated by a psychologist and her need for medications for (general) depression will be assessed,” Dr. Thukral tells Health Shots.
From her own experience with postpartum depression patients, the expert says that sometimes, new mothers just want to be heard without being criticized. “Some of them feel better after coming out and I recommend some of them to see a psychiatrist immediately, depending on the severity of their symptoms.”
The stigma associated with PPD needs to be broken down further. Dr Thukral says the Indian government should prioritize women’s mental health at the national level by making mental health care centers available, accessible and affordable, especially for new mothers.
Sharing some tips to reduce the burden of mental health challenges for a mother, she adds, “Timely identification and referral to a specialist is important. Healthcare workers visiting the homes of women who cannot access health facilities, particularly to check their mental health, could be a tool to identify PPD. “Questionnaires can also be designed to screen for symptoms of anxiety/depression in women after delivery.”
After all, mental health matters!