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Major Depression in Women: Risk, Symptoms & Treatment
Incidence of women who experience Major Depression during pregnancy.
Between 10% and 12% of pregnant women experience Major Depression.
Incidence of women who experience Major Depression Post Partum
Between 10% and 20% of women experience Major Depression in the post partum period.
What is a Major Depression?
Major Depression is a clinical condition occurring twice as
often in women as in men. Our understanding to date is that changing hormone levels
associated with menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause may effect
neurotransmitter changes that result in Major Depression in vulnerable women.
Risk Factors for Major Depression
Women are at greater risk of experiencing Major Depression
if they have:
- Previous history of Major Depression
- Family history of Major Depression
- Marital problems
- Recent stressful life events
Signs and Symptoms of a Major Depression:
You may experience some of the following:
- depressed mood/sadness, crying spells for no apparent
reasons
- disturbed sleep or change in appetite
- guilty ruminations or feelings of worthlessness
- excessive worries about your own or your baby’s health
- panic attacks with heart palpitations and shortness of
breath
- thoughts of death or suicide
- symptoms are present every day for at least two weeks and significantly interfere with daily life.
Reasons why pregnant or postpartum
women with Major Depression should seek treatment.
Untreated depression may interfere with your ability to
enjoy your pregnancy. Early bonding with your baby may be hindered which may lead to long
term consequences for you and your baby. If illness persists in the postpartum period,
this impaired bonding may become chronic. This has long-term consequences for the child in
terms of cognitive and behavioural problems in school.
Symptoms may interfere with your ability to work or carry
out your daily activities: self-care, including medical care, may be neglected.
In desperation, some women may turn to alcohol and drugs,
which can severely compromise the mother, the unborn child or the new baby.
In severe cases, women may contemplate self-harm or even
suicide to cope with their depressive symptoms.
Treatments Options
for women with Major Depression.
- Social Approach - Psychoeducation.
Involve the significant other, friends and family supports. Teach coping strategies and
how to build social networks and supports.
- Psychological Approach - Interpersonal
Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy,
Couple Counseling, Group Therapy.
- Biological Approach
Antidepressant medications (In extremely rare occasions
electroconvulsive therapy may be used).
Bright Light Therapy is a newer treatment for major depression. This form of therapy
is being investigated through the Reproductive Mental Health Program with a small number
of women with Post Partum Depression. Several of these women have positive results
with Bright Light Therapy.
See also:
Biological Approach-Use
of Antidepressant Medication During Pregnancy & Postpartum"
http://www.bcrmh.com/disorders/major_depression.htm
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