Postnatal depression Flashcards
What is the spectrum of postnatal mental health illness
Baby blues - Mild
Postnatal depression
Puerperal psychosis - Severe
How common is postnatal depression
1 in 10 women
How common is puerperal psychosis
1 in 1000 women
How common is baby blues
1 in 2 women
Symptoms of baby blues
- Mood swings
- Low mood
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Tearfulness
What causes baby blues
- Significant hormonal changes
- Recovery from birth
- Fatigue and sleep deprivation
- The responsibility of caring for the neonate
- Establishing feeding
- All the other changes and events around this time
Symptoms of postnatal depression
- Low mood
- Anhedonia(lack of pleasure in activities)
- Low energy
Management of mild postnatal depression
additional support, self-help and follow up with their GP
Management of moderate postnatal depression
antidepressant medications(e.g. SSRIs) andcognitive behavioural therapy
Management of severe postnatal depression
input from specialist psychiatry services, and rarely inpatient care on themother and baby unit
What scoring system can be used to assess postnatal mood and screen for postnatal depression
Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (10 questions, 30 points)
What score on Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale suggests postnatal depression
≥10 points
When does puerperal psychosis usually occur
2-3 weeks after delivery
Symptoms of puerperal psychosis
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Mania
- Confusion
- Thought disorder
Management of puerperal psychosis
- Admission to themother and baby unit
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Medications (antidepressants,antipsychoticsormood stabilisers)
- Electroconvulsive therapy(ECT)
What is the mother and baby unit
specialist unit for pregnant women and women that have given birth in the past 12 months. They are designed so that the mother and baby can remain together and continue to bond. Mothers are supported to continue caring for their baby while they get specialist treatment.
What is required prior to delivery in women with previous mental health concerns
Perinatal mental health service referral
Plan in place for close follow-up
What is a risk of SSRIs in pregnancy
Neonatal abstinence syndrome - Irritability and poor feeding
