Who would have guessed that a war of the words between Tom Cruise
and Brooke Shields would identify a much hidden disease? Now
that we have come out of the closet so to speak about post partum
depression where is all the information on alternative treatments?
In order for the buzz to actually benefit women with a natural
approach we need more info on treatment methods other than
antidepressant drugs and support groups. There most definitely
are other treatment
strategies and they have been identified and research has been
conducted in western medicine.
Research shows that after delivery 11-18% of women experience
a major depressive episode. Post partum depression is a serious
problem that can affect not only the mother but the child
as well. Numerous studies documented adverse effects
on children’s
cognitive and social development from exposure to maternal depression
during the first year of life.
Currently antidepressant drugs and psychotherapy are the
mainstream strategies for treating post partum depression.
Unfortunately
many antidepressant drugs cause side effects in women such
as decreased libido and effectively debilitate the renewed
intimacy
that many women post delivery look forward to. There are
also concerns for breast feeding mothers; some antidepressants
are
not safe to be passed to the child via breast milk. Support
groups and counseling are also encouraged however caring
for small children
and making time for meetings is sometimes impossible.
Alternative treatments that have been identified by western
medicine as having some benefit for general depression
are acupuncture,
herbs, homeopathy, dietary supplements, massage and relaxation
techniques. Unfortunately research has not yet been produced
that documents any alternative treatments’ benefit for
post partum depression.
However the fact that benefit has been documented for
general depression is a spark of hope that no woman
should easily
pass over. In my practice, the women I treat for post
partum depression
are usually at “wits end” trying to regain control
of their lives.
One theory identifies Omega 3 fatty acids as a possible
solution. Inadequate levels of Omega 3 fatty acids
have been linked
to depression including post partum depression. Omega
3 fatty acids have been also used to potentiate or
make stronger
the
effect
of antidepressant drugs. These fatty acids are necessary
to support the adequate neurological development
of the fetus.
High demand
from the mother can lead to inadequate supply after
birth.
Herbal supplements such as St John’s Wort have been linked
to treating depression. However the concern here is of the quality
of the herbal. As we know the FDA is not regulating quality or
label requirements for dietary supplements. The answer here is
to buy supplements from reputable practitioners such as allopathic
physicians, acupuncture physicians, naturopathic physicians and
licensed nutritionists/dietitians.
Hormone replacement is also an alternative. Supplementing
estrogen and natural progesterone appear to have
significant effect
on mood. Reduced estrogen levels have not been
conclusively documented
to be linked to post partum depression.
Emphasis should be placed on the use natural progesterone,
as natural progesterone is metabolized into allopregnanolone,
a
neuroactive steroid that enhances GABA in the
central nervous system producing anti-anxiety and hypnotic
effects. Synthetic
progestogens do not help postpartum depression
and may, on the contrary, exacerbate the symptoms.
Unlike
natural
progesterone,
synthetic progestogens (e.g., medroxyprogesterone)
are not metabolized
into GABA-ergic neuroactive steroids.
Bright light therapy, massage, relaxation techniques,
homeopathy and acupuncture are other alternative
treatment strategies
that are all linked to the successful resolution
of depression. In
short there are many treatments other than
psycho-therapy and drugs that should be investigated
by a woman
experiencing post
partum depression.
Consulting with an open minded physician may
help you determine which one is best suited
for you
or just
try an adventure
into natural medicine and nutrition for your
treatment. Remember ask questions you have
the ability to
choose and co-treat
your
health
challenges what ever they may be. A physician
who doesn’t
listen is not one you should make another appointment with.
Christina Captain, DOM, AP, is a doctor of oriental medicine
and the owner of the Family Healing Center. Her clinic
is located in
Sarasota
at 1219
East Avenue South, Suite 104. Please call 941-951-1119 or visit
www.familyhealingcntr.com.
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