POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION- TREATMENT UPDATE

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression is a prevalent and serious mental health issue in India. This affects not only a woman but also the development of her offspring. There is a need to find out various pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options available for the treatment post-partum depression.

Method: This review was based on methods and results as described in the selected published articles available on PubMed and PsycINFO. We identified articles whose titles contained the following key terms in various combinations of the following: depression, depressive illness, postpartum, postnatal, treatment, prevention, therapy, pharmacotherapy, and antidepressant, the name of each antidepressant drug, hormonal therapy, estrogen, and progesterone.

Results: We reviewed treatment of post-partum depression with antidepressants randomized clinical trials as well as open label studies, hormonal treatment, prevention studies randomized clinical trials as well as open label studies, alternative pharmacological treatment including omega-3- fatty acids- both for prevention and treatment. We also reviewed internet based intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, kangaroo mother care, effectiveness of regular exercise, role of ECT and effect of rTMS in post part depression. When it’s about safety, the psychological interventions support their use in some women, pregnant and lactating women because of devoid of side effects to new born.

Conclusion: Diverse pharmacological or psychological interventions options are available for treatment of postnatal depression. The most promising intervention is the focus on intensive and individualized approach.