Postpartum Depression

Pregnancy and childbirth is typically viewed as a time of joy and excitement, but for some mothers it can be overwhelming. Pregnancy results in several hormonal, physical, emotional, and psychological changes. After childbirth (2-5 days), mothers can experience a broad spectrum of emotions that range from joy and pleasure to bouts of sadness and crying. This sadness and crying experienced by the woman is known as the "baby blues," and typically resolves over a period of two weeks. Postpartum depression (PPD) on the other hand is characterized by feelings of intense sadness, worry and exhaustion that occurs within six weeks after childbirth. Considered a serious mood disorder, PPD is extremely common affecting approximately one in seven women. PPD severely affects the woman's ability to return to normal function and can have a dramatic effect on the relationship between mother and child.

Signs & Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is diagnosed based on symptomatology and the length or time in which a mother has been experiencing symptoms. Typically, symptoms are present for at least two weeks and include:

-Depressed mood present majority of the day

-Loss of interest or pleasure majority of the day

-Insomnia (difficulty falling/staying asleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping excessively)

-Agitation

-Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

-Loss of energy or feeling fatigued

-Thoughts of suicide

-Difficulty concentrating or indecisiveness

-Change in weight and/or appetite

Standard Therapies for Postpartum Depression

First-line treatment for postpartum depression typically involves psychotherapy or counseling and use of antidepressant medications. For the breastfeeding mother, SSRI's are typically the first choice for treating PPD. SSRI's are known to be present in breastmilk and have been shown the potential to cause harm to the baby. Patients will typically stay on the medication for six to twelve months to prevent relapse of symptoms. Combination therapy (medication & psychotherapy) has been shown to be effective and result in full recovery for approximately 70-80% of those women suffering from postpartum depression. Other options for treatment of PPD include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and intravenous (IV) Brexanolone.

Ketamine & Postpartum Depression

So what about the 20-30% of women who do not respond to traditional therapies? Low-dose ketamine infusions may be an alternative. Postpartum depression has been found to respond especially well to IV ketamine, working in hours to days. Ketamine infusion is proven to be safe and effective, serving as the preferred anesthetic for infants and children. While ketamine is metabolized quickly and has a short half-life, we recommend that breast feeding be avoided for a short period of time after receiving an infusion. The benefits of ketamine infusion versus traditional antidepressant therapies include:
-Works within hours to days, as opposed to weeks or months
-Typically only requires 2-3 weeks of therapy, vs. 6-12 months traditional antidepressant therapies

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with postpartum depression or you believe that you may be suffering from PPD and traditional therapy has failed to improve your symptoms and/or you are searching for an alternative solution, ketamine therapy may be right for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for an evaluation by our qualified nurse practitioner and/or to answer any questions that you may have. We also accept referrals from your current mental health care provider.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact us today.

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This information on this website is not provided as a professional service or medical advice for specific patients. It is not a substitute for professional medical care, and if you have, or suspect you may have, a health problem you should consult your healthcare provider.

Unless otherwise indicated, the statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements and the products of this company are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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