Pharmacological Treatment A number of studies have pointed out that Postpartum Depression (PPD) is essentially the same as Major Depression (MDD) and, therefore, benefits from pharmacological treatment with antidepressant medication, but very few studies have conducted randomized controlled trails comparing different medication and placebos.1 In general, pharmacological treatment of MDD has proven to be...
A previous article already introduced some of the symptoms and risks of Postpartum Depression (PPD), but I would still like to emphasize the profound effects of this disorder. In this particular stage of life, depression does not only hurt the new mother, but poses threat for the well-being of the baby as well. In...
Postpartum Depression (PPD): A Psychological Disorder Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a fairly common complication of childbirth and often accompanies the postpartum period, leading to psychological suffering for the mother, negative effects on the infant and strained family relationships.1 Pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period involve intense emotional experiences for most women and are characterized...
Prozak (fluoxetine) is among the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), aka. second-generation antidepressants. As all SSRIs, Prozak blocks the reuptake transporter for serotonin, preventing it from being taken back to the axon terminal. Since this transporter is blocked, serotonin remains in the synaptic cleft for long periods, continuing to have its effect on the...
Symptoms of Major Depression Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness; sadness; loss of interest and pleasure (from food and/ or sex) – anhedonia; may be accompanied by significant weight loss or gain (sometimes hyperphagia); insomnia or hypersomnia (middle of the night awakening, early morning awakening); fatigue, general loss of energy; having hard time concentrating. People...
