peer response to discussion post

Thank you for your great post on post partum depression which affects about 10-15% of adult mothers yearly with depresive symptoms lasting for about 6months (Anokye et al., 2018). Sleep disorder, mood swings, chnage in appetite, fear of injury, sense of doubt, concerns about the baby, much sadness and crying, lack if interest in daily activities, thoughts of death and suicide are most of the symptoms seen in women with post partum depression. 

Like you mentioned although antidepressant are often prescribed to women diagnosed with PPD but for safety reasons, other non pharmacological interventions like therapies are usually offered first which includes psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. This is due to the potential effects of antidepressant medication on breastfeeding which is of concern to many mothers and clinicians because neonates and young infants are especially vulnerable to potential drug effects due to their immature hepatic and renal systems, immature bloodbrain barriers, and developing neurological system, hence use of therapies, psychosocial interventions such as support groups (Fitelson etal., 2010). For extreme cases, like mothers who are at risk of suicide, inpatient might be required and the use of electroconvulsant therapy has also proven to be effective (Anokye et al., 2018).