5 Facts About Postpartum Depression

Giving birth can be the most exciting time in a woman’s life. Surprisingly, though, it can also be the most depressing.

Most new moms go through a period of postpartum "baby blues" following the birth of their child, which can present as crying fits, mood swings, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. Your body’s going through a lot of changes, so it isn’t surprising that this occurs. The baby blues begin within the first two to three days after delivery and can last for up to two weeks.

Some mothers, though, experience a more severe and long-lasting form of depression called postpartum depression. It isn’t a weakness or character flaw. It’s merely a possible complication of giving birth. Fortunately, prompt treatment allows you to manage your symptoms and bond with your baby, which is the most important thing.

At the offices of board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. Michael Kullman, he and the team diagnose and treat women with postpartum depression in their offices in White Plains and Pleasant Valley, New York. One of the novel treatment methods they use is ketamine infusion therapy. Here’s what they want you to know about the condition and its treatment.

Common symptoms of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression shares many of the same symptoms as major depressive disorder:

Depressed mood
Severe mood swings
Crying fits
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Fear that you aren’t a good mother
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Withdrawing from family and friends
Changes in appetite
Changes in sleep patterns
Overwhelming fatigue
Feelings of worthlessness, shame, or guilt
Reduced ability to think clearly, concentrate, or make decisions

Left untreated, postpartum depression can continue for months or stretch into a year or more.

5 facts about postpartum depression

Here are five things you should know about postpartum depression:

There’s no guarantee you’ll develop it; only 10% of new mothers do.
Symptoms start within four weeks of delivery.
Standard treatments include psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.
You can help to ease your symptoms by doing things you enjoy.
Researchers are investigating new antidepressant medications that better address symptoms.

There are also other treatments to restore your mood and help you bond with your baby.

Ketamine as a therapy for postpartum depression

Ketamine has been used since the early 1970s as an anesthetic on the battlefield and in operating rooms. Some doctors use it off-label to treat depression, as it has several advantages over traditional antidepressants.

Many of the current antidepressants target the neurotransmitter serotonin, but serotonin is only one player in causing depression. And about 30% of people with depression who have tried at least two antidepressant medications for a sufficient time period don’t respond to treatment.

That’s where ketamine comes in. Ketamine works on the NMDA receptors that regulate the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is also important in mood regulation. This provides another approach to those struggling with treatment-resistant depression.

Although most of the traditional neurotransmitters take at least six to eight weeks to determine if they’ll be effective, ketamine can cause changes in the brain within only 24 hours, relieving symptoms like suicidal ideation in a short time. Most women respond positively after only two infusions.

In addition, ketamine helps neurons build new pathways and new avenues of communication. Called synaptogenesis, the new neural network likely affects mood, thought patterns, and cognition.

If you’re dealing with postpartum depression, you aren’t alone, and there is hope. To learn more about how ketamine can help, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kullman, call our office at 914-465-2882, or visit our website for more options.