Does postpartum depression require medication?

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

Updated on December 07, 2024

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When suffering from postpartum depression, it can be treated with medication. This treatment method can help control negative emotions in new mothers. It can also alleviate some physical discomfort, reducing the damage caused by depression during treatment. However, breastfeeding should be suspended if medication is being taken. In addition to medication, psychological treatment is also necessary. Adjusting one's mental state is very important, as most cases of postpartum depression are caused by an unhealthy psychological foundation. (The use of medication should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Symptoms

Premenstrual dysphoria is a symptom of premenstrual syndrome, which can manifest as mood instability, fatigue, changes in diet, sleep, libido, lack of concentration, inability to work normally or reduced work efficiency, and even a tendency to have accidents at work. There may also be criminal behavior or suicidal thoughts. Therefore, family members should actively take the individual to the hospital for treatment. With the comfort and guidance of a psychologist, the patient with premenstrual dysphoria can relax and re-enter life in a relaxed state, adapting to their role. At the same time, under the doctor's advice, some antidepressant medications should be taken, along with a reasonable diet and appropriate physical exercise, specifically following the doctor’s instructions.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng

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Will mild depression get better?

Mild depression can achieve good therapeutic effects. Patients with mild depression may experience low mood, slow thinking, and decreased volition, but its severity is relatively mild. These patients primarily show lack of concentration, or slightly lower self-evaluation, and abnormalities in diet and sleep. Generally, the overall mental state of the patients is still relatively good. Therefore, in clinical practice, the main treatment for patients with mild depression is psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, to improve the patients' distorted and unreasonable cognition, ultimately leading to cognitive reconstruction and achieving good therapeutic effects. Antidepressant drugs can also be used for systematic treatment, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which have an effective cure rate of over 85%.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng

Psychiatry and Psychology

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Causes of Depression

The causes of depression are often unclear and may be closely related to multiple factors such as biological, social, and psychological aspects. From a biological perspective, genetics is a primary factor, especially as indicated by family studies, which have found genetics to play a significant role. Genetic factors typically involve multiple gene loci. Furthermore, neurochemical factors like serotonin and norepinephrine are notably related. Beyond biological factors, psychological elements, particularly in individuals with certain depressive traits or personality characteristics, significantly increase the incidence of developing the condition. Social environmental factors are primarily associated with adverse major life events. After experiencing acute life events, individuals may become susceptible to depressive episodes. Hence, it is observed that depression in patients results from multifactorial influences rather than a single factor, culminating from a complex interplay of these elements.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

44sec

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How to relieve postpartum depression

When postpartum depression occurs, the family must provide comprehensive care. For example, it is important to ensure that the new mother gets enough sleep by having family members take care of the baby and handle daily tasks. It is recommended that the mother and baby sleep separately to allow the mother sufficient rest, which can also help alleviate depression. Additionally, choosing a room with plenty of sunlight and ventilating it by opening windows daily can also reduce the symptoms of postpartum depression. More importantly, family members need to communicate psychologically with the new mother, engage in more conversations, and avoid keeping their feelings bottled up.

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Written by Pang Ji Cheng

Psychiatry and Psychology

1min 5sec

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How to alleviate mild depression?

Mild depression can be managed clinically through self-adjustment and psychotherapy. Self-adjustment includes exercise, shifting focus, or verbal expression. Exercise is a very effective and quick way to alleviate depression by stimulating the brain to release endorphins, which have anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects. Additionally, diverting attention to activities of particular interest can enhance pleasure and motivate improvements. Furthermore, expressing one's depressive feelings through speech can also alleviate symptoms of mild depression. Moreover, psychotherapy mainly involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, which aims to continuously improve or correct irrational cognitive patterns and rebuild the cognitive system to effectively treat depression. This is a common approach in treating depression; medication adjustments, such as the use of new antidepressants, are also viable options. (Please follow professional medical advice before using any medication and do not self-medicate.)