Beyond the Baby Blues: The Stroller Coaster of Postpartum Depression
Dec 20, 2023
54:53
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Dr. Craig Chepke, a board-certified psychiatrist, discusses postpartum depression disorder, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and breaking the stigma associated with mental health treatment. The conversation covers the development of FDA-approved medications like Zurzuvae for PPD and the need for faster-acting medications for depression. Personal experiences with mental health issues and treatments are shared, along with resources available for mental health support.
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Quick takeaways
Early identification of postpartum depression symptoms is crucial to differentiate it from 'baby blues'.
Reducing stigma and barriers to mental health treatment is essential for individuals facing postpartum depression.
Approval challenges for medications like Zurzuvae highlight the need for accessible and innovative solutions in mental health care.
Deep dives
Overview of Postpartum Depression and Guest Introduction
Mental health awareness is crucial, with postpartum depression being a key focus. Dr. Craig Cheffki, a distinguished psychiatrist, joins the hosts Dr. Jessica Steyer and Dr. Andrea Love in this enlightening episode. Postpartum depression affects many women following childbirth, with distinctions from 'baby blues' and major depressive disorder discussed.
Defining Postpartum Depression and Controversies in Diagnosis
Postpartum depression is a serious clinical mood disorder that affects around one in seven women post-birth. Distinguishing it from transient 'baby blues' is crucial, as symptoms exceeding two weeks or presenting severe signs mark the shift to postpartum depression. Disagreements exist even in standardizing diagnostic timelines, highlighting challenges in defining and diagnosing postpartum depression.
Discussion on Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria
Postpartum depression manifests through diverse symptoms like anxiety, anger, mood disturbances, and insomnia. Diagnostic criteria, including timelines set by various organizations like the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization, lack alignment. The episode delves into the complexities of diagnosing postpartum depression to encourage early identification and intervention.
Risk Factors and Challenges in Seeking Help
Underlying risk factors for postpartum depression span hormonal changes, history of depression, emotional factors, and social determinants like lack of support and healthcare access. Stigma and challenges in seeking help are underscored, emphasizing the importance of proactive screening and support for individuals facing postpartum depression.
Breakthrough in Postpartum Depression Treatment and Future Considerations
The approval of Brixanolone in 2019 marked a breakthrough, offering rapid relief for postpartum depression. The discussion transitions to the latest development with oral Zuranolone, approved in August 2021. Despite its efficacy, challenges in obtaining approval for major depressive disorder highlight the need for accessible and innovative solutions in mental health care.
On this week’s episode of the pod, we discuss postpartum depression disorder (PDD) with guest Dr. Craig Chepke, a board-certified psychiatrist. We kick things off with some statistics and demographics of those who are impacted by PPD. We explore the symptoms, diagnosis, and risk factors of PPD —and distinguish it from the less serious “baby blues”. Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of seeking help and breaking the stigma associated with mental health treatment and support. The conversation also covers the development of FDA-approved medications for postpartum depression, including an oral medication called Zurzuvae (zuranolone). We discuss the FDA approval process for Zurzuvae, and the lack of approval for major depressive disorder (MDD) which limits its accessibility and coverage by insurance, making it out of reach for many individuals. We chat about the efficacy and safety of this new medication, highlighting the potential benefits it could offer to individuals in a mental health crisis. The conversation emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma and barriers to treatment, as well as the need for faster-acting medications for depression. We share some personal experiences with mental health issues and treatments. We wrap with a conversation on the impact of FDA approvals on suicide prevention and the future direction of Zurzuvae’s approval (to possibly include other disorders such as MDD), and share some resources available for mental health support. You do not want to miss this episode!
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