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Suggest Treatment For Postpartum Depression

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Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2015
Question: I am so depressed, its so hard to concentrate and im becoming very forgetful. I have history of Major Depression and lately it has gotten worse. I have a new born and I need to do something about it. What can I do? I have no insurance.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You need treatment for depression

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern.

You had history of Major Depression. After delivery in many females depression reappears/worsens. It is due to hormonal changes, stress of handling new baby as wells as stress of handling your self after delivery fatigue. Difficultly in concentration and forgetfulness can be symptoms of depression.

Depression can be treated. Pharmacotherpay and psychotherapy both are useful.

In psychotherapy I prefer cognitive behavior therapy(CBT).In mild cases only CBT is sufficient. In moderate to severe cases initially medicines and then CBT is added. And later on medicines stopped gradually.

In medicines SSRI group of drugs(fluoxetine,paroxetine,sertraline, escitalopram) are main stay of the treatment.
Benzodiazepines group of drugs(clonazeapm,lorazepam or etizolam) are used initially for short duration for fast symptomatic relief.

As you are likely breastfeeding I suggest psychotherapy and if needed antidepressant like escitalopram in low dose. Avoid benzo as far as possible.

Last option is ECT- electro convulsive therapy. It is very safe and specifically no side effect to baby if you are doing breastfeeding.

I recommend consulting psychiatrist/clinical psychologist for better evaluation and treatment.

Please let me know how your last episode of depression was treated?
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chintan Solanki

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2406 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Postpartum Depression

Brief Answer: You need treatment for depression Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern. You had history of Major Depression. After delivery in many females depression reappears/worsens. It is due to hormonal changes, stress of handling new baby as wells as stress of handling your self after delivery fatigue. Difficultly in concentration and forgetfulness can be symptoms of depression. Depression can be treated. Pharmacotherpay and psychotherapy both are useful. In psychotherapy I prefer cognitive behavior therapy(CBT).In mild cases only CBT is sufficient. In moderate to severe cases initially medicines and then CBT is added. And later on medicines stopped gradually. In medicines SSRI group of drugs(fluoxetine,paroxetine,sertraline, escitalopram) are main stay of the treatment. Benzodiazepines group of drugs(clonazeapm,lorazepam or etizolam) are used initially for short duration for fast symptomatic relief. As you are likely breastfeeding I suggest psychotherapy and if needed antidepressant like escitalopram in low dose. Avoid benzo as far as possible. Last option is ECT- electro convulsive therapy. It is very safe and specifically no side effect to baby if you are doing breastfeeding. I recommend consulting psychiatrist/clinical psychologist for better evaluation and treatment. Please let me know how your last episode of depression was treated? Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further. Regards, Dr.Chintan Solanki.