Postpartum depression is a type of clinical depression affecting women who have just given birth. It is a mood disorder in which the mother experiences feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration usually directed at her newly born baby.
Postpartum depression usually occurs within the first four weeks of delivery or even up to one year later.
This behavior may affect how the mother cares for her child. Those with postpartum depression have a difficulty in coping and interacting with the child. Care is inconsistent and may post a health risk to the baby. The potential long-term complications are the same as in major depression. Untreated, postpartum depression may put the patient at risk of harming herself or the baby.
The treatment for depression after birth often includes medication, therapy, or both.
Omega-3 In Fish Could Reduce Risk of Postpartum Depression
Low levels of omega-3 may be behind postpartum depression, according to a review lead by Gabriel Shapiro of the University of Montreal and the Research Centre at the Sainte-Justine Mother and Child Hospital. Women are at the highest risk of depression during their childbearing years, and the birth of a child may trigger a depressive episode in vulnerable women. Postpartum depression is associated with diminished maternal health as well as developmental and health problems for her child. "The literature shows that there could be a link between pregnancy, omega-3 and the chemical reaction that enables serotonin, a mood regulator, to be released into our brains," Shapiro said. "Many women could bring their omega-3 intake to recommended levels." The findings were announced by the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry on November 15, 2012.
Video: Postpartum Depression
Because omega-3 is transferred from the mother to her fetus and later to her breastfeeding infant, maternal omega-3 levels decrease during pregnancy, and remain lowered for at least six-weeks following the birth. Furthermore, in addition to the specific biological circumstances of pregnant women, it has been found in the US that most people do not consume sufficient amounts of omega-3. "These findings suggest that new screening strategies and prevention practices may be useful," Shapiro said, noting that the study was preliminary and the further research would be needed to clarify the link and identify the reasons for it.
RELATED LINKS
University of Montreal
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry
Sainte-Justine Mother and Child Hospital
Postpartum depression
Maternal Stress Puts Newborns At Risk For Iron Deficiency Anemia
New Study on the Development of Gestational Diabetes
Anti-Diabetic Medicine Beneficial in Prevention of Long Term Maternal Obesity
Maternal Stress Puts Newborns At Risk For Iron Deficiency Anemia
Lack of Omega 3 Fatty Acids May Cause Brain to Age Faster and Inhibit Memory and Thinking Functions
How Estrogen Influence Female Mood Swings and Psychology
Deep Brain Stimulation As Treatment for Unipolar and Bipolar Depression
Impairments in Brain Involved in Post Stroke Depression (PSD)
Study Suggest Cats Can Cause Suicidal Behavior and Mental Illness In Women
Virtual Computer Patients With Artificial Intelligence Help Train Psychologists
Freud's Theory On Unconscious Conflict And Conscious Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Under Study
