After the joy of welcoming a new baby, many mothers experience a broad range of emotions, from joy to apprehension. But for some, these feelings can become overwhelming and difficult to cope with. Perinatal mood disorder is a type of depression that can affect women during pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth. Understanding what perinatal mood disorder is, recognizing the symptoms, and learning about treatment options is key to helping expectant and new mothers find relief.
At Columbia Associates, we understand the importance of helping our patients find lasting relief from perinatal mood disorders, and that’s why we focus on understanding each person’s individual needs and providing personalized treatment.
Call 703.682.8208 today to learn more about how perinatal mood disorder treatment from Columbia Associates can help you or your loved one.
What Is Perinatal Mood Disorder?
Perinatal mood disorder is a broad term that refers to depression and anxiety during pregnancy (antepartum) and after giving birth (postpartum). Postpartum depression is a term that is used exclusively for women who experience depression after giving birth, and this condition falls under the umbrella of perinatal mood disorder.
Perinatal mood disorders can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms usually include:
- Sadness or feeling overwhelmed
- Feeling irritable or anxious
- Crying spells and difficulty sleeping
- Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby
- Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, such as fear of being alone with the baby or excessive worrying
- Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach pain
Perinatal mood disorders can be difficult to recognize because the symptoms mimic those of other conditions, such as fatigue or post-delivery hormone shifts. This condition is typically caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, but other factors, such as a history of depression or anxiety and stress levels, can also play a role. Recognizing the symptoms and getting help early is important for successful treatment. Every person’s experience is different, so it’s important to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider.
Treatment Options for Perinatal Mood Disorders
What are the best treatment options for perinatal mood disorders? The best approach is always tailored to a person’s individual needs, but some options include counseling, psychotherapy, or medication.
Counseling and psychotherapy are often used to help patients learn coping strategies for managing their emotions. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients identify their thought patterns and learn how to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Medication can also help to alleviate symptoms of depression, and it is important to discuss the benefits and potential risks with a healthcare provider.
New mothers deserve a chance to enjoy this special time in their lives, and the team at Columbia Associates is here to help. While perinatal mood disorders can be challenging, with the right treatment plan, lasting relief is possible.
Struggling with Perinatal Mood Disorder? Call Columbia Associates Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with perinatal mood disorder, don’t wait to get help. At Columbia Associates, we are dedicated to helping our patients through The Perinatal Project.
The Perinatal Project was created to help women during all stages of pregnancy and postpartum life. Experienced psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and social workers work together to provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
Outpatient visits, group therapy sessions, and one-on-one counseling are just some of the treatments offered. With our experienced team and personalized approach, Columbia Associates is committed to helping women find relief from perinatal mood disorders. Call us today at 703.682.8208 or reach out to us online to learn more about how we can help.