Thoughts of harming her baby (264/1700)

A 34yo woman presents 3 weeks after childbirth. She has had very low mood and has been
suffering from lack of sleep. She also has thought of harming her little baby. What is the most
appropriate management for this pt?
a. ECT
b. CBT
c. IV haloperidol
d. Paroxethine
e. Amitryptiline































answer: B Post partum depression, cbt and ssri's are a valid option, however CBT is the first line option

NICE
a TCA, SSRI or (S)NRI if the woman understands the risks associated with the medication and the mental health problem in pregnancy and the postnatal period and:
  • she has expressed a preference for medication or
  • she declines psychological interventions or
  • her symptoms have not responded to psychological interventions



POSTPARTUM BLUES
• 85% of new mothers, onset day 3-10; extension of the “normal” hormonal changes and
adjustment to a new baby
• self-limited, should resolve by 2 wk
• manifested by mood lability, depressed affect, increased sensitivity to criticism, tearfulness,
fatigue, irritability, poor concentration/despondency
Treatment: reassurance

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
• definition: major depression occurring in a woman within 6 mo of childbirth
• epidemiology: 10-20%, risk of recurrence 50%
• risk factors
1.      personal or family history of depression (including PPD)
2.      prenatal depression or anxiety
3.      stressful life situation
4.      poor support system
5.      unwanted pregnancy
6.      colicky or sick infant
• clinical features: suspect if the “blues” last beyond 2 wk, or if the symptoms in the first two
weeks are severe (e.g. extreme disinterest in the baby, suicidal or homicidal/infanticidal
ideation)
• assessment: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale or other
• treatment: antidepressants, CBT, ECT if refractory
• prognosis: interferes with bonding and attachment between mother and baby so it can have
long-term effects

POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS
• definition: onset of psychotic symptoms (severe mood swings: up and down, delusions, hallucinations) within first month postpartum, can present in the context of depression
Treatment: admit to hospital

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