Support and Advice For PND
Treatments Available For Postnatal Depression
The most important step in treating PND is recognising the problem and then taking steps to deal with it. The support and understanding of partners, family and friends can play a big part in recovery. However, to benefit from this, it is important to talk to those who are close by and explain feelings, rather than keeping everything pent-up inside. This can cause tension, particularly with partners, who may feel that they are being shut out.
Medication Available for PND Treatment
Antidepressants are often prescribed to treat moderate or severe cases of Postnatal Depression. They work by balancing mood-altering chemicals in the brain. Antidepressants can help ease symptoms such as low mood, irritability, lack of concentration and sleeplessness, making it easier to cope with the new baby.
A course of antidepressant medicines usually lasts for four to six months. However, if symptoms improve, the dose may be steadily reduced. Antidepressants take two to four weeks to start working, so it is important to keep taking them even if there is no noticeable improvement straight away. It is also important to continue taking medicine for the full length of time recommended, because a rapid cessation may cause symptoms to return.
Short-term Methods for Treating Postnatal Psychosis
In severe cases of PND, such as postnatal psychosis, where symptoms can include irrational behaviour, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts, tranquillisers may be prescribed as a possible treatment option. However, they are usually only recommended for short-term use.
Between 50% and 70% of women who have moderate to severe PND improve within a few weeks of starting treatment with antidepressants.
Antidepressants and Breastfeeding
Not enough is known about the possible long-term risks to babies of antidepressants taken by breastfeeding mothers. This is because the normal method of assessing these risks - that is, running large scale clinical trials involving people who have given their consent - would be unethical for children.
Antidepressants can pass into breast milk. Therefore, women who are taking antidepressants may wish to discuss feeding options with their GP so that they can make an informed choice.
The limited evidence available suggests that the class of antidepressant known as tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) are probably the safest to take while breastfeeding.
TCAs are not suitable for some people, including people with a history of heart disease, people with epilepsy, and people with severe depression who have frequent suicidal thoughts (this is because an overdose of TCAs can be fatal).
Counselling Support for PND
Counselling, or talking treatments, can be useful in treating PND. There are various different types of counselling, but their availability may vary depending upon location. Types of counselling include cognitive therapy, talking therapies and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Other talking therapies include interpersonal therapy and problem solving therapy. Also, trained health visitors sometimes give short counselling sessions over several weeks, and these have been shown to help ease PND.
Some research has suggested that a combination of antidepressants and counselling is better than either treatment alone.
St John's Wort
St John's wort is a herbal supplement that some people take for depression. Though there is some evidence it may be of benefit in treating mild or moderate depression, its use is not recommended. This is because it is not tested as rigorously as a medicine.
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