If you notice signs of Postpartum Depression or Post natal Depression, it’s important to act immediately. Unique statistics have revealed that the number of women who experience depression shortly after childbirth may be higher than thought. This is very alarming as it impacts the entire family. PPD is easily treated with medication as long the disorder is detected early. Most mothers will experience the “baby blues” which should subside after some time. Postpartum depressive disorders can be permanent and have severer manifestations. They may also lead to threatening consequences. In spite of their detrimental effects, less than one-half of cases tend to be detected throughout the period of proper postnatal care. The screening for postpartum depressive disorder is crucial to the treatment of the condition.
Healthcare professionals believe that PPD is a treatable disorder, particularly when detected early. The problem is that clinics that do routine checkups on mothers who are unique do not perform regular screenings. The main care clinics overlook a large amount of postpartum depressive disorder, which can be treated. As a result, it lingers on for an extended time. The possibilities are just too numerous; a few of them can even be harmful. Due to the impact of the mother’s relationship with the baby, the baby may experience delays in their cognitive and personal development. It may also pose a threat to a woman’s close relationship with her friends, family and even coworkers. It can sometimes be dangerous, particularly if depressions enter into postpartum schizophrenia.
The only way to protect a woman from PPD, and its potentially dangerous consequences, is to diagnose it early. Only if early signs of postpartum depressive disorder are recognized can the screening be performed. The typical postpartum depressive symptoms include mood swings as well anxiety, fatigue, bad temper and feelings of inadequacy. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a self help tool that can be used for formal screening. It’s popular in Europe, Australia, New Zealand as well. If a woman’s score is above a particular limit, she will need to be evaluated and offered more treatment options.
It is important to recognize the disorder through postpartum screening. With the help of PPD therapies and psychotherapies as well as enhanced proper care, the health and wellbeing of the mother’s family and herself can be assured. It is a common misconception that new mothers have about PPD. By being proactive, and by taking the necessary steps to treat it as soon as they detect signs, this condition can be treated.