Women's views of antidepressants in the treatment of postnatal depression

Abstract

Little research has been carried out on the treatment of postnatal depression and clinicians must currently rely on general recommendations for the use of antidepressants. Antidepressant medication as the main treatment for depression in general practice has been shown to be effective when used as prescribed. However, research has shown that depressed patients consistently receive either no medication or consistently low doses of medication. This study will investigate women's experiences of taking antidepressant medication for postnatal depression. Thirty-five women with a clinical diagnosis of postnatal depression who had been prescribed antidepressant medication completed a questionnaire detailing their experiences of taking medication. Four open-ended questions and responses were discussed with the women. Of the 35 women who were prescribed medication, 4 chose not to take it because they were breast-feeding. Twenty of the women described finding medication helpful. Although only 4 women directly reported not taking antidepressants as prescribed, the comments made by a further 9 women suggest that compliance may have been poor. This study suggests a need to improve information about medication for postnatal depression. If this information is not provided, women are likely to continue to self-manage medication at a dosage that may be clinically ineffective.

Recognition and management of perinatal depression and anxiety by general practitioners: a systematic review

“…GPs described prescribing anti-depressants in the absence of other options, 54 but women are often reluctant to take them if pregnant or breastfeeding, 56 which could impact on adherence to treatment. In real world primary care settings, the rate of complete recovery from depression is low, at around 30% following antidepressant treatment and slightly higher following psychological interventions.…”

Questões críticas para o tratamento farmacológico da depressão pós-parto

“…Uma visão negativa similar também foi revelada em estudo qualitativo no Reino Unido com mulheres com DPP que utilizaram antidepressivos (Boath et al, 2004). A adesão ao tratamento foi pobre, principalmente devido a efeitos colaterais, temor a dependência e estigma.…”

Emerging Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression: Serotonin Transporter Genotype and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Status

“…34 Nonetheless, there is evidence supporting pharmacologic and other biological interventions (for example, hormonal interventions or bright light therapy) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe depression in postpartum women. 35,36 While few placebo-controlled trials of ADs have been conducted in women with PPD, 2 trials have yielded positive results, 37,38 and ADs appear to be as effective for PPD as for MDD occurring at other times in the life cycle.…”

“…39 In addition, evidence suggests that adherence to ADs during the postpartum period may be poor. 34 Psychotherapeutic and other nonpharmacologic interventions, including relaxation and massage therapy, infant sleep interventions, and maternal exercise, have also shown promise in the treatment of PPD. However, the evidence base concerning their effectiveness is still limited.…”