Up to 1 in 7 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers may suffer from postpartum depression, generally known as PPD. According to health organization March of Dimes, it is the most typical issue for new moms. According to a new review by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of postpartum depression diagnoses at delivery was seven times greater in 2015 than it was in 2000, and it appears to be on the rise.
The Incidence of Postpartum Depression Seems to Be on the Rise!
The incidence of postpartum depression often occurs one to three weeks after giving birth and is characterized by intense emotions of anxiety, sadness, and exhaustion that can make it challenging for new parents to take care of themselves and their child. The CDC estimates that suicide accounts for 20% incidence of postpartum depression. In the United States, where incidence of postpartum depression represent a growing concern, they are a major contributor to maternal mortality.
Genetics and altered hormone levels after pregnancy are two potential reasons of the incidence of postpartum depression. Diabetes, pregnancy problems, past physical or sexual abuse, and other stressors are risk factors. Although March of Dimes points out that for half of the women diagnosed with the increase of the incidence of postpartum depression, this is their first time receiving a diagnosis of depression, a person’s risk can also be increased by a family history of the disorder or by prior mental health disorders.
Medical professionals emphasize that PPD does not make a person a horrible parent or person and that if symptoms persist for longer than two weeks (or if the individual is having suicidal thoughts), they should seek medical attention. Call 800-944-4773 or text “PSI” to reach the Postpartum Support International helpline.
FDA-Approved Treatment Specifically for the Incidence of Postpartum Depression
The first-ever medication for the treatment and lessening of the incidence of postpartum depression has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The medicine Zurzuvae (zuranolone), according to its producers Sage Therapeutics and Biogen Inc., will be on sale in the fourth quarter of this year, which may happen as early as October. In two business tests, the pill—to be taken once daily for 14 days—showed encouraging results, with some patients reporting advantages as early as three days.
The manufacturers have not disclosed the price of Zurzuvae, so it is unclear what insurance plans might cover or how easily the medication will be available to those who need it most. Postpartum depression can affect everyone, but people from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to experience it.
