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advertisement Here are some commonly used terms you may see used in discussing the diagnosis and treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). Antidepressants Antidepressants are drugs used to help people with depression. They are thought to work by making certain chemicals more available in the brain. Antianxiety Medication Antianxiety medications are used to help people with anxiety disorders -- periods of anxiety and tension that can last for a long time. Baby Blues Baby blues affect up to 75% of mothers shortly after giving birth. Women with baby blues may feel sad, easily annoyed, anxious, or confused, and may have headaches, poor sleep, and changes in their eating. Unlike postpartum depression, baby blues will go away without treatment, usually by 10 days after the baby is born. Depression Depression is a common disorder with symptoms including sadness, irritability, changes in sleep and appetite, extreme tiredness, and a loss of pleasure in things. These symptoms often prevent the person with depression from leading a normal life. Etiology Etiology is the cause or origin of a disease or illness. Insomnia Insomnia is the inability to sleep. Mania Mania is a symptom of bipolar disorder characterized by exaggerated excitement, hyperactivity, and racing, scattered thoughts. A person in a manic state feels an emotional "high" and often does not use good judgment. Speech may be rapid and she may feel little need for sleep or food. Mood Instability Mood instability refers to when moods fluctuate and change rapidly -- from happy to sad, for example. Neurotransmitter A neurotransmitter is a chemical released by nerve cells that carries information from one cell to another. This type of chemical transmits messages in the brain. Some neurotransmitters are serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with obsessions, unwanted thoughts that occur over and over, and compulsions, doing something which often take the form of cleaning, checking (for instance, the locks on the door, or the baby’s breathing), or counting (for instance, the number of diapers in the bag). Panic Disorder People with panic disorders have panic attacks, during which they may have intense fear, rapid breathing, sweating, nausea, dizziness, and numbness or tingling. They are often afraid of having the next panic attack and may develop behaviors to avoid situations thought to put them at risk. Perinatal Mood Disorder Perinatal mood disorder (PMD) is a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety that begins during pregnancy or during the first year after giving birth. Phobia Phobia is a persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation. People with a phobia will try to avoid any encounter with whatever the phobia is about. Examples of common phobias include being afraid of heights, flying, or spiders. Postpartum Postpartum describes the period immediately after a woman has a baby. Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression (PPD) is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that affects up to 13% of women after giving birth. Symptoms range from mild to severe depression and may appear within days of giving birth or up to a year later. Postpartum Psychosis Postpartum psychosis is a potentially dangerous mental disturbance that includes losing touch with reality. A woman with postpartum psychosis may act strangely, imagine seeing things that are not really there, feel detached from the world, and have urges to hurt herself or other people. This condition is much more rare than postpartum depression. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur following life-threatening or injury-producing events such as sexual abuse or assault, or traumatic childbirth. People who suffer from PTSD often experience nightmares and flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping, and feel detached. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more serious form of premenstrual syndrome. Emotional symptoms of PMDD include shifting moods; severe depression; feelings of hopelessness, anger, anxiety or low self-esteem; difficulty concentrating; irritability; and tension. The mood changes associated with PMDD can have a big impact on the woman's relationships and life. Premenstrual Syndrome Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of symptoms that appears the week before a menstrual period, and resolves within a week after the onset of the period. Women with PMS often have bloating and cramping, and may feel tired, angry, or depressed. Prenatal Prenatal refers to the time during pregnancy. Psychoanalysis Psychoanalysis is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on unconscious factors affecting current relationships and patterns of behavior. It traces the factors to their origins, shows how they have changed over time, and helps the client cope with adult life. The client talks and the therapist is primarily a listener. Usually therapy takes place 4 or 5 times a week, and can continue for years. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental and emotional disorders using psychological methods, such as counseling. During psychotherapy, a patient will talk with a therapist (who may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or licensed counselor) about their thoughts and feelings. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressant drugs that work by increasing serotonin, a chemical responsible for communication between nerves in the brain. Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Luvox). Tricyclic Antidepressants Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a class of antidepressant drugs that are thought to work by decreasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine, or serotonin by nerve cells. Examples include amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil) and desipramine (Norpramin). Symptoms Checklist Use this list if you think you might have PPD. If you feel or have any of the symptoms below that have lasted for more than 2 weeks and are affecting your life, talk to your doctor, nurse, or midwife.
Specialty Who's Who Physicians General Practitioner/Family Physician General practitioners and family physicians diagnose and treat most types of health conditions or diseases. They treat men and women of all ages. Obstetrician/Gynecologist An obstetrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of pregnant women. A gynecologist is a medical doctor who has completed specialized education and training in the health of the female reproductive system, including the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases. Most obstetricians are also gynecologists. Neonatologist A neonatologist is a medical specialist who treats high-risk newborns such as those born prematurely or those with birth defects. Perinatologist/Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist A perinatologist or maternal-fetal medicine specialist is a medical specialist who treats high-risk pregnancies due to either the mother’s medical history or complications that appear during pregnancy and threaten the health of the fetus or mother. Endocrinologist An endocrinologist is a medical doctor (sometimes an internist) who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the endocrine glands, which regulate the hormones. The most common of these are diabetes and thyroid problems. Family Practitioner Family practitioners are medical doctors who specialize in family medicine. A family practitioner can diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions and diseases for people of all age groups and both sexes. They refer people to community resources and other specialists as needed. Internist Internists are medical doctors who specialize in treating adults by providing preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of complex conditions, and management of most adult illnesses. Pediatrician A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in providing preventative care, as well as treatment for illnesses and injury, to children. Preventive Medicine Specialist A preventive medicine specialist is a medical doctor who specializes in helping people stay healthy and helping them prevent disease. Mental Health Professionals Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor A licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) is a master's level mental health professional. LCPCs cannot prescribe medications. Psychiatrist A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. Psychiatrists may evaluate or treat people who have mental illnesses, such as depression or coping difficulties. Psychiatrists may offer counseling, or they can prescribe medications to treat mental illness. Psychiatric Social Worker A psychiatric social worker helps patients and their families handle problems that accompany illness. They are trained to look at how home and family life can affect treatment and recovery. LCSW designates a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. These professionals cannot prescribe medication. Psychologist A psychologist is a health professional with training and expertise in human behavior and psychological health. Psychologists may evaluate or treat people who have mental illnesses, such as depression or coping difficulties. They do not prescribe medication. Psychotherapist A psychotherapist practices psychotherapy and may be a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, professional counselor, social worker, or other mental health professional. Unless this person is also an MD (medical doctor), he or she cannot prescribe medication. Nurses Nurse Practitioner A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has advanced education and clinical training. Nurse practitioners work with people of all ages and their families. They can diagnose and treat illnesses and prescribe medication. Registered Nurse Registered nurses (RNs) provide direct care to patients and work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. RNs perform patient evaluations, including monitoring and tracking vital signs, performing procedures such as IV placement, taking blood, and giving medications. Licensed Practical Nurse A licensed practical nurse (LPN) provides basic bedside nursing care under the direction of an RN, physician, or other authorized healthcare provider. LPNs are usually employed in hospitals. Nurse's Aide/Nurse's Assistant Nurse’s aides and nurse’s assistants are not licensed nurses. They do not have the training or experience required of licensed nurses. They should not administer medications or perform any invasive health care procedures. Midwives Midwife Midwives are health care practitioners who provide care to expecting mothers, attend the birth of the infant, and provide postpartum care to the mother and infant. Certified Midwife A certified midwife (CM) is an individual educated in the discipline of midwifery and is certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. The CM provides primary healthcare to women including: prenatal care, labor and delivery care, care after birth, gynecological exams, newborn care, assistance with family planning, preconception care, menopausal management, and counseling in health maintenance. Certified Nurse-Midwife Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses who have completed advanced training in obstetrics and gynecology and have graduated from an accredited nurse-midwifery program. Certified nurse-midwives are more likely to practice in hospitals and medical clinics, but may also deliver in birth centers and at home. They can prescribe medication in 48 of the 50 states. Direct Entry Midwife Direct entry midwives vary greatly in their training and methods of practice. They do not have a nursing degree but may be graduates of colleges or schools of midwifery which offer degree and certification programs of different lengths. Direct entry midwives are more likely to deliver at home. Lay Midwife Lay midwives are uncertified or unlicensed midwives who generally have had only informal training, learning the trade through apprenticeship and hands-on experience rather than a more formal course of study. Other Lactation Consultant Lactation consultants are trained, often certified, specialists, who provide support and education about the process of breastfeeding. A lactation consultant can provide help regarding nursing, pumping, bottle-feeding, and weaning. Doula A doula is a non-medical assistant in prenatal care, childbirth, and during the postpartum period. Doulas provide explanations of medical procedures and interventions, emotional support, and advice during pregnancy. What to Ask Your Mental Health Provider Choosing a Mental Health Provider When choosing a mental health provider, trust your instincts. How do you feel about the person? The right provider will listen to your questions without rushing you, know about your diagnosis and the latest treatments available, will have friendly people working in their office, and will generally make you feel comfortable. The following are questions you may want to ask a mental health provider. The answers can help you make the decision to work with him or her. • What specific training have you received in diagnosing and treating postpartum depression (PPD)? • Do you belong to any organization that educates its members about PPD? These are some organizations that your mental health provider may belong to: Postpartum Support International, Depression after Delivery, Marcé Society, or North American Society for Psychosocial OB/GYN. • What books do you recommend to women with PPD? There are many helpful books about PPD. Some books that your provider may recommend include: Beyond the Blues; Evaluation and Treatment of Postpartum Emotional Disorders; This Isn't What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression; Postpartum Mood Disorder; Mothering the New Mother. • What type of psychotherapy are you trained in? Studies have shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy work best in treating PPD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you identify and change inaccurate perceptions of yourself and the world around you, while interpersonal therapy focuses on how you behave and interact with family, friends, and other people in your life. Long-term psychoanalysis, which may continue over many months or even years, is usually not the best approach for PPD. • Are you able to prescribe medication? If medication is a part of your treatment, it is generally recommended that you see a psychiatrist (an MD whose specialty is psychiatry). S/he will have the best knowledge and most up-to-date information on mental illnesses and treatments. What to Do Before Your First Mental Health Appointment You may not be able to see a healthcare professional right away. Often it may take weeks or months before you can be seen. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help yourself feel better.
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