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Suggest Treatment For Postpartum Depression
Question: I think my daughter is suffering from postpartum depression. She has changed drastically since her daughter was born and she was also an IVF Mom. She is always overwhelmed and on 2 separate occasions she stated that she felt like killing Grace one day because she was screaming and on another occasion she told me that she felt like slashing her wrists. I am very concerned. Bipolar and depression run in her father's side of the family. Grace will be 18months old this month. I always thought postpartum depression lasted about a year. I had 2 children and never had postpartum depression with either of them. Help! She is in PA and I am in FL. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
It is extremely important that she visits a psychiatrist urgently.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Miss XXXX,
I am Dr Ramadevi Wani.
I appreciate your concerns.
From your notes your daughter seems to have postpartum depression.
Feeling overwhelmed, sad, thoughts of hurting baby or self, feeling of worthlessness, withdrawing from family and friends are all symptoms of postpartum depression. Was she being treated for depression before pregnancy?
It does not seem to be psychosis, as she does not have mood swings, hyperactivity, hallucinations or delusions.
It is extremely important that she visits a psychiatrist at the earliest. She may be admitted for few days to ensure her and her baby's health and safety. Counseling and medications will help her. She may be advised electroconvulsive therapy too. She needs support and reassurance from family members. If you/any family member ( in addition to her husband)can stay with her for few months, it would be very helpful for her.
I hope this is helpful.
If you any further concerns, I will be happy to answer.
Best wishes,
Dr Rama.
It is extremely important that she visits a psychiatrist urgently.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Miss XXXX,
I am Dr Ramadevi Wani.
I appreciate your concerns.
From your notes your daughter seems to have postpartum depression.
Feeling overwhelmed, sad, thoughts of hurting baby or self, feeling of worthlessness, withdrawing from family and friends are all symptoms of postpartum depression. Was she being treated for depression before pregnancy?
It does not seem to be psychosis, as she does not have mood swings, hyperactivity, hallucinations or delusions.
It is extremely important that she visits a psychiatrist at the earliest. She may be admitted for few days to ensure her and her baby's health and safety. Counseling and medications will help her. She may be advised electroconvulsive therapy too. She needs support and reassurance from family members. If you/any family member ( in addition to her husband)can stay with her for few months, it would be very helpful for her.
I hope this is helpful.
If you any further concerns, I will be happy to answer.
Best wishes,
Dr Rama.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
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