Having a baby is one of the most joyous moments in any woman’s life. However many women after child birth experience mood disturbances. These feelings include depression; despair, feeling lonely, unloving towards the child and these feelings in turn make them feel guilty. In many cases these symptoms are rather mild and resolve on their own. But in around 10 to 20% of the cases women develop serious depression and postpartum depression treatment is needed.

The women tend to enter a phase of heightened emotions and sensitivity around 3 to 5 days following the delivery and this may last for around 2 weeks. Such women tend to cry easily and feel edgy, irritable. Symptoms of postpartum depression include fatigue, problems with appetite, feelings of being inadequate parent, concentration problems, and problems in sleeping and having suicidal thoughts. Women having postpartum depression may worry about the health and well being of the baby and may have negative thoughts related to the baby. In some cases postpartum depression treatment may be administered.

The postpartum depression treatment to be undertaken largely depends on the causes of the depression. In all cases hormonal imbalance plays a very important role in postpartum depression. This is because the levels of estrogen, cortisol and progesterone tend to fall dramatically in around 48 hours after the delivery. In some cases other factors that can contribute to postpartum depression include known mental illness before the pregnancy or mental illness in the family. Such a history of mental illnesses may need specific treatment for the postpartum depression.

Before determining the treatment for postpartum depression it is important that proper diagnosis is made. The health care professionals diagnose this condition by identifying the symptoms and determining the duration and the severity of the symptoms. The doctors also determine if the woman has experienced similar symptoms before and history of mental problems in the family. Health care professionals may also use the Edinburgh Postnatal depression scale to identify the possibility of the woman having postpartum depression.

In rare cases women may experience postpartum psychosis which is a serious condition. In this the woman may experience psychotic symptoms which may include hallucinations and delusions. In these cases specific treatment for the psychosis may be needed. In most cases of postpartum depression the symptoms go away in time and no particularly postpartum depression treatment may be needed. Women experiencing postpartum depression should surround themselves with family and friends and get rest.

It is advisable for those experiencing postpartum depression to avoid spending time along. Getting help to care for the baby, talking to friends and taking time to relax can help in dealing with the postpartum depression. The postpartum depression treatment may include psychological help in the form of individual as well as group therapy. Support groups can also be of help in dealing with postpartum depression.

In case the postpartum depression is particularly severe the doctor may follow a treatment involving psychological therapy along with medication. Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants may be used as a part of postpartum depression treatment particularly where the depression is quite severe.