Microsoft word - post natal depression research 05.03.07.doc

INTRODUCTION

Professionals tend to refer to this group of illnesses as "puerperal psychoses".
"Puerperal" means the six weeks after having a baby and "psychosis" a serious mental
illness. So "Puerperal psychosis" means a serious mental illness, developing in a
woman shortly after she has given birth. This is often a shock, because there is no
obvious reason why it should happen - it's not that the baby was unwanted, or that the
pregnancy or birth were complicated or, as a rule, that there is anything wrong with
the baby.
Puerperal psychosis is rather rare and happens after only 1 in 500 births. It has been
recognised for centuries - since the days of Hippocrates, the Greek physician who
practised thousands of years ago. A woman is most likely to be affected if she has
already experienced such an illness previously, or if someone in her family has
suffered a mental illness, serious enough to have involved psychiatric treatment.
It used to be thought that puerperal psychosis was a special mental illness, unlike
those occurring at other times. However, it is now recognised to be manic-depression
or schizophrenia - although somewhat altered by the baby's presence.
There are three main illnesses that happen during this time.
MANIA

A mother suffering from mania will be full of energy and confidence, even if she has
never had a baby before. She will not rest, will tend to stay up all night, and will eat
little, even though she is so active and talkative. She will tend to neglect her baby
because she feels that she has so many other things to do - shopping, making plans,
rearranging her home and her life. Though mostly cheerful and amusing, she may
become very irritable if her unrealistic plans and impulses are - as is almost inevitable
- thwarted. Both she and her baby are at serious risk of neglect.
DEPRESSION

A seriously depressed mother is very different. She will be deep in misery, to the
point of despair, and have little energy or initiative, although she may be restless with
frantic agitation. Feelings of guilt, wickedness and worthlessness are common, as is
the feeling that other people think this of her. She will eat very little and sleep poorly,
with a tendency to wake up early in the morning (often at about 3am) feeling at her
absolute worst. Not surprisingly, she may be suicidal. Rarely, a mother will kill her
baby as well as herself. The law on infanticide recognises that a woman who kills her
baby within a year and a day of giving birth may be mentally ill.

SCHIZOPHRENIA

Schizophrenia is a remote dreamy state in which a mother's thoughts and feelings are
muddled. She may believe that everything that happens around her, is in some special
way connected with her. She may also hear voices talking to or about her and her
baby, and believe that her baby is strange - a changeling, or the devil, or even a new
Messiah. She may feel that she is under the influence of others who may wish her
good or harm. This mixture of muddled thinking and strange ideas can make it
difficult for other people to make sense of what she says. She may neglect her baby or
do odd things with it or she may be fiercely protective, shielding it from people whom
she thinks want to harm it.
These different forms of mental illness sometimes merge or replace each other -
mania may be followed by depression, or schizophrenia may have manic or
depressive features.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

Puerperal psychosis is most likely to be due to the effect of the huge hormone changes
which happen at the end of pregnancy and giving birth. The risk of developing this
illness is highest around the time of the birth - especially during the first few days
afterwards. Some women seem to be born with a tendency to develop puerperal
psychosis, others may be vulnerable because of earlier experiences in their lives.
CAN IT BE HELPED?

This kind of mental illness is serious, but it responds very well to the proper treatment
and the outlook is excellent. The most important thing is that it is recognised sooner
rather than later. This means that obstetricians, general practitioners, midwives and
health visitors need to know both that psychosis happens, and how to recognise the
warning signs - severe sleeplessness, extreme withdrawal or restlessness. When a
woman is going to have a baby, it is very important that she is asked if she, or any
members of her family, have experienced mental illness in the past. If there is any
suspicion of such an illness developing, a psychiatrist needs to become involved.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?

The psychiatrist is concerned with the welfare of the mother, baby and the immediate
family. He or she will want to treat the mother in hospital, though in some parts of the
UK it is possible to offer treatment at home - provided that the mother is not too
disturbed - that is suicidal or irrational. If possible the baby will be admitted with the
mother, so that the bonding between the two is not disrupted. They might be admitted
to one of the country's few mother-and-baby units, or else to an ordinary acute
admission ward with a nursery facility.
Drug or physical treatment is always needed for puerperal psychosis. Speed is of the
essence to ensure that the relationship between mother and baby is disturbed for as

little time as possible. The effects of psychological treatments are not usually evident
for weeks, or more often months, whereas drug and physical treatments work within
days or weeks. The usual medications used are anti-depressant and anti-psychotic
drugs. The only physical treatment is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which
although may sound alarming, is extremely effective in severe depression and may be
life-saving. We can't just use hormones because we don't yet understand the ways in
which the hormone changes work. However they may have some effect in preventing
another puerperal psychosis in women who have already suffered one.
Breast feeding is a powerful bond between mother and baby, so drugs which come
through the breast milk should be avoided. Fortunately, anti-depressants appear in the
breast milk in such tiny amounts, they need not stop that form of feeding and ECT is
no barrier at all. However Lithium Carbonate which is the most powerful treatment
for manic depression, does come through in breast milk, so if it is needed, bottle
feeding may be necessary.
HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE HELP?

A serious mental illness such as puerperal psychosis, is a huge handicap to a new
mother. It is important to help her in doing things with and for her baby, for example,
feeding, washing, nappy changing and simple playing. The psychiatric team will do
their best to help mother and baby come together happily, whilst reducing the risk of
violence or neglect. Partners and families need support too, to stop them blaming
themselves or feeling resentful, apprehensive or guilty. Other people may also be able
to give support - the extended family, the GP or other members of the primary health
care team, the health visitor, the community psychiatric nurse or psychiatrist, and
social worker ( if there is thought to be any risk to the baby). There are also voluntary
groups, like the Association for Post Natal Illness, whose members are women who
have survived puerperal psychosis or post-natal depression, and who are ready to
befriend and support other sufferers.
HOW LIKELY IS IT TO HAPPEN AGAIN?
The risk of having another puerperal psychosis is at least 1 in 5 - probably greater still
in the case of manic-depression. Careful supervision is needed if a woman who has
had such an illness, has another baby, especially in the early days after the birth.
Treatment can then be given at once if there is any sign of the illness returning.
However half the women who suffer a puerperal psychosis never become mentally ill
again.
About this leaflet

This leaflet is for anyone who suffers from postnatal depression (PND for short). We
hope it will also be helpful to family and friends and to anyone who wants to know
more about this problem. The leaflet describes what it's like to have PND, ways of

helping yourself and some of the treatments available. There are references to
research information and suggestions for further reading and help.
What is PND?

Postnatal Depression is what happens when you become depressed after having a
baby. Sometimes, there may be an obvious reason, often there is none. It can be
particularly distressing when you have so looked forward to having your baby through
the months of pregnancy. You may feel guilty for feeling like this, or even feel that
you can't cope with being a mother.

How common is it?

Around one in every ten women have PND after having a baby. If untreated, it can
last for months, or sometimes longer.
What does it feel like to have PND?

Depressed
You feel low, unhappy and wretched for much or all of the time. You may feel worse
at particular times of the day, like mornings or evenings. Sometimes, there are good
days that make you hope that it is over. It can be very disappointing when they are
followed by bad days. Sometimes, it can seem that life is not worth living.
Irritable
You may get irritable with other children and, occasionally, with your baby. You are
most likely to get 'ratty' with your partner, who may well wonder what is wrong.
Tired
All new mothers get pretty weary, but depression can make you feel so utterly
exhausted that you feel physically ill.
Sleepless
When, at last, you get to bed you find you can't fall asleep. You wake at the crack of
dawn, even if your partner has fed the baby overnight.
Not hungry
Depressed mothers usually haven't the time or the interest to eat, and this can make
you feel irritable and run down. On the other hand, if you find yourself eating for
comfort, you may feel guilty and uncomfortable about getting fat.
Unable to enjoy anything
You find that you can't enjoy or be interested in anything. This may be especially true
of sex. Some women get interested in sex again before the 6 week postnatal check-up,
but PND usually takes away any desire or enthusiasm. Your partner may seek the
comfort and excitement of intercourse, but you don't. This can put a further strain on
the relationship. There are, of course, many other reasons for you to lose interest in

sex after having a baby - it may be painful, you may be too tired, or you may be just
trying to adjust to having a child.
Unable to cope
PND can make you feel that you have too little time, do nothing well, and that you
can't do anything about it. It can be hard to establish a new routine to cope with the
baby, as well as everything else.
Anxious
You may find that you are afraid to be alone with your baby. You may worry that he
or she might scream, or choke, or be harmed in some way. Instead of feeling close to
your baby, you may feel detached. You can't work out what your baby is feeling, or
what your baby needs.
You may feel anxious even if you have strong loving feelings for your baby. You
worry that you might lose him or her through infection, mishandling, faulty
development or a 'cot death'. You worry about 'snuffles', or how much weight has
been (or not been) gained. You worry if your baby is crying or is too quiet (has the
baby stopped breathing?) You may find that you need reassurance all the time from
your partner, the health visitor, the GP, your family or a neighbour.
You may also worry about your own health. You may feel panicky - your pulse races,
your heart thumps and you may feel that you have heart disease or are on the brink of
a stroke. Your tiredness may make you wonder if you have some dreadful illness, or if
you will ever have any energy again.
The fear of being left alone with all this can cause even the most capable person to
cling desperately to their partner, not wanting to be left alone.
Doesn't everybody get depressed after having a baby?

No. About half the women who give birth feel a bit weepy, flat and unsure of
themselves on the third or fourth day after having a baby. This is known as the 'Baby
Blues', and it passes after a few days.

When does PND happen?

Most cases of PND start within a month of the birth, but it can start up to six months
later.

What causes PND?

We don't know enough about why women get PND to be sure who will or won't
suffer from it. There is probably no single reason, but a number of different stresses
may add up to cause it. We know you are more likely to have PND if you:
have had depression (especially PND) before lost your own mother when you were a child have experienced several stresses in a short period of time. These could be things like a bereavement, you or your partner losing a job, or housing and money problems.
In spite of this, you can still suffer from PND when none of these things have
happened and there is no obvious reason.
What about hormones?

In some cases, PND may have something to do with the huge hormone changes which
take place at the time of giving birth. Levels of oestrogen, progesterone (and other
hormones to do with conception and birth) drop suddenly after the baby is born. How
exactly they affect your mood and emotions is not clear. No real differences have
been found in the hormone changes of women who do and do not get PND. It may be
that some women are more sensitive to these changes than others.
Do women with PND harm their babies?

Very rarely. It is more likely (although still uncommon) if a mother has a more severe
mental disorder, 'puerperal psychosis'. This is a very serious (but treatable) mental
illness which usually comes on within a few days of the birth. The mother may
become deluded and feel that her baby is evil. Rarely, she may feel so suicidal that
she decides to take the baby's life with her own. Puerperal psychosis is much less
common than PND: it occurs only after one birth in 500. It is fortunately very rare for
a mother to kill her baby.
Occasionally, through utter tiredness and desperation, you might feel like hitting or
shaking your baby. Many mothers (and fathers) occasionally feel like this, not just
those with PND. In spite of having these feelings at times, most mothers never act on
them. This is the case in PND. The problem is more likely to be you worry that you
might harm your baby, rather than actually doing so.
What can be done?

A great deal, but first the depression must be recognised. In the past it has often been
overlooked or dismissed as the 'baby blues'.
Many depressed mothers don't realise what is wrong with them. They feel ashamed to
admit that they are less than thrilled by being a mother. They may think that if they
say how they feel, then their baby may be taken away (this won't happen).
Now that there is a greater awareness of depression in general, PND should be missed
less often. A questionnaire, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, can
sometimes be used. This can help health visitors and GPs to spot PND.

Ways of helping yourself

Say how you feel:

If you feel miserable, irritable, incompetent, frightened and not all that keen on your
baby, then tell someone. Many other women have gone through the same experience.
If you don't feel you can talk to your family or friends, talk to your health visitor or
GP. They will know that these feelings are common and will be able to help.
Don't be frightened by the diagnosis: It can actually be a relief when someone tells
you that you have PND. At last you know what is wrong, and that many others have
had the same problem. You can be reassured that you will get better in time. It can
help your partner, friends and family to know this as well. They will feel more able to
help when they know what the problem is.
Ways for other people to help

Don't be shocked or disappointed if your wife, partner, sister or girlfriend reveals that
she has felt awful since the birth of her baby. Take time to listen sympathetically and
make sure that she gets the help she needs.
Try not to be shocked or disappointed by a diagnosis of PND. In a way, it is good
news because we know it can be effectively helped.
Do all you can to help with the practical things that need to be done, while your
partner does not feel up to doing them - shopping, feeding and changing the baby, or
housework. It may be difficult for a while, but it is worth it.
Make sure that you are clear about what is happening and that you get advice on how
to help, especially if you are the mother's partner. Make sure that you have some
support yourself. If this is your first baby, you may feel pushed to one side, both by
the baby and by your partner's needs. Try not to feel resentful. Your partner needs
your support and encouragement. Practical help with the baby, sympathetic listening,
patience, affection and being positive will go a long way. Your partner will appreciate
this even when the depression is over.
What if I don't want treatment?

Most women will get better without any treatment after a period of weeks, months or
sometimes longer. However, this can mean a lot of suffering. PND spoils the
experience of new motherhood, and will strain your relationship with your baby and
partner. So the shorter it lasts, the better. It is advisable to diagnose and treat PND as
soon as possible.
What about talking treatments?

It can be a great relief just to talk to a sympathetic, understanding, uncritical listener -
this could be a friend, a relative, a volunteer or a professional. Many general practices
now have a counsellor, and trained health visitors can help treat PND.
There are more specialised psychological treatments. Psychotherapy can help you to
understand the depression in terms of what has happened to you in the past. Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy can help you to understand the depression in terms of how you
think about yourself, the world and other people. These can be arranged through your
GP with a community psychiatric nurse, a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
Are there problems with these treatments?

These treatments are usually very safe, but they can have unwanted effects. Talking
about things may bring up bad memories from the past and this can make you low or
distressed. Other people have found that therapy puts a strain on their relationship
with their partner.
It is important to make sure that you can trust your therapist and that they have the
necessary training. Another problem with talking therapies is that they are still scarce
in some areas. There are long waiting lists, so you may not get any treatment for quite
a while.
What about tablets?

If you have a more severe depression, or it has not improved with support and
reassurance, one of the antidepressant drugs will probably help. Antidepressants take
two weeks or so to start working and should be taken for four to six months after you
start to feel better.
How do they work?

Antidepressants affect the activity of two chemicals in the brain, Serotonin (also
called 5HT) and Noradrenaline.
Do antidepressants have side effects?

Modern antidepressants are safe. They may cause nausea or an increase in anxiety in
the early stages, but these usually wear off. Others can make you sleepy or give you a
dry mouth. Make sure that your doctor knows that you are breast-feeding. It should be
safe to continue breast-feeding as there are antidepressants which do not pass into
breast milk to any significant degree, so your baby should not be affected by them.
Some people get mild withdrawal symptoms when they stop these medicines, so it's
best to come off them slowly. For more information, see our factsheet on
antidepressants.

Hormones have been suggested as a treatment for PND. However, there is little
evidence that they work, and they have their own dangers, particularly if you have had
thromboses (blood clots in the veins) of any sort.
So which treatment is best?

Everyone can try the simple measures outlined in this leaflet. Talking treatments and
antidepressants are equally effective, but antidepressants are more likely to be
recommended if the depression is severe or has gone on for a long time. They also
work a bit quicker than talking treatments. Talking treatments and antidepressants can
be given together. Your GP or health visitor will be willing to give advice. It is also
sometimes helpful to talk over the options with your family or a close friend. It is
important that you feel comfortable with the choice of help or treatment.
Mothers with special needs

Mothers who have a previous history of mental health problems or physical or
learning disability do face additional problems, or, equally challenging, additional
scrutiny. They should get whatever help and reassurance they need to maintain their
own well-being and that of their baby.
Self-help

We don't yet know enough about PND to prevent it in the first place, but certain
principles make sense:
DON'T try to be 'superwoman'. Try to do less during your pregnancy and make sure that you don't over-tire yourself. If you are at work, make sure you get regular meals and put your feet up in the lunch hour. DON'T move house (if you can help it) while you are pregnant or until the DO make friends with other couples who are expecting or have just had a baby; among other things, this could lead to a baby-sitting circle. DO find someone you can talk to. It helps so much to have a close friend you can turn to. (If you can't easily find someone, try the National Childbirth Trust or MAMA - their local groups are very supportive both before and after childbirth). DO go to ante-natal classes - and take your partner with you. DO keep in touch with your GP and your health visitor if you have suffered PND before. Any signs of PND can be recognised early and you can start treatment at once. After the baby has arrived: DO take every opportunity to get your head down. Try to learn to cat-nap. Your partner can give the baby a bottle-feed at night. If you like, you can use your own expressed breast milk for this. DO get enough nourishment. Healthy foods like salads, fresh vegetables, fruit, fruit juices, milk and cereals are all nice, packed with vitamins and don't need much cooking. DO find time to have fun with your partner. Try to find a baby-sitter and get out together for a meal, a show or to see friends. DO let yourself and your partner be intimate if you can: at least kiss and cuddle, stroke and fondle. This will comfort you both and lead to the return of full sexual feelings sooner. Do not feel guilty if this takes some time. DON'T blame yourself or your partner: life is tough at this time, and tiredness and irritability on both sides can lead to quarrels. 'Having a go' at each other may weaken your relationship when it needs to be at its strongest. DON'T be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you have learnt about PND from ante-natal classes (and leaflets like this), you may spot the warning signs before anyone else. FINALLY, even if you have been depressed for a while, support, counselling and medication can all help you to get better. It's never too late. Written by Dr Hamish McAllister-Williams, MRC clinical scientist, senior lecturer and honorary Consultant Psychiatrist. Antidepressant treatment for post-natal depression (Cochrane Review) Hoffbrand S, Howard L, Crawley H (2001). Compares antidepressant treatment and counselling. (http://www.update-software.com/) Depression in postpartum and non-postpartum women: prevalence and risk factors. Eberhard G A et al. (2002) Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, Vol 106, 426-433 Controlled trial of the short- and long-term effect of psychological treatment of post-partum depression 2. Impact on the mother-child relationship and child outcome Murray L, Cooper PJ et al (2003) The British Journal of Psychiatry, Vol 182: 420-427 Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) British Journal of Psychiatry (1987), Vol. 150 by Cox J L, Holden J M, Sagovsky R (www.wellmother.com/articles/edinburgh.htm) Can we identify mothers at risk for postpartum depression in the immediate postpartum period using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale? Dennis C L (2004) Journal of Affective Disorders, Vol. 78, no. 2, p. 163-169 Oestrogens and progestogens for preventing and treating postnatal depression (Cochrane Review). Lawrie T A, Herxheimer A, Dalton K in: The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2004. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organisations that can help:

Association for Postnatal Depression 145 Dawes Road, Fulham, London SW6 7EB.
Helpline: 020 7386 0868; http://www.apni.org/ Provides support to mothers suffering
from post-natal illness. It exists to increase public awareness of the illness and to
encourage research into its cause and nature.
CRY-SIS, BM-CRY-SIS, London WC1N 3XX. Tel: 020 7404 5011 (line open 9.00
am to 10.00 pm, 365 days a year); www.cry-sis.com/index.asp Provides self-help and
support for families with excessively crying and sleepless babies.
Meet-A-Mum-Association (MAMA), 376 Bideford Green, Linslade, Leighton
Buzzard, Beds LU7 2TY. Tel: 01525 21704; E-mail: Meet-A-
[email protected].; http://www.mama.co.uk/ ; Helpline: 020 8768 0123
(7.00 pm to 10.00 pm weekdays) Self-help groups for mothers with small children
and specific help and support to women suffering from postnatal depression.
National Childbirth Trust, Alexandra House, Oldham Terrace, Acton, London W3
6NH. Enquiry line: 0870 444 8707; Breastfeeding line: 0870 444 8708; E-fax: 0870
770 3237; http://www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/. Advice, support and
counselling on all aspects of childbirth and early parenthood.
The Samaritans. Tel: 08457 909090 (UK) or 1850 609090 (Eire); E-
mail:mailto:[email protected]; http://www.samaritans.org/. Provides confidential
emotional support to any person who is suicidal or despairing.
Books

Feelings after birth: The NCT Book of Postnatal Depression by Healther Welford
(Book Production Consultants)
Surviving Post-natal Depression: At home no-one hears you scream by Cara Aitken
(Jessica Kingsley Publishers)
Depression after childbirth: How to recognise, treat and prevent postnatal depression
by Katherina Dalton (Oxford University Press)

Source: http://www.glendell.eu/acm/pdf%20files/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Post%20Natal%20Depression%20Research%2005.03.07.pdf