Type 2 diabetes: gestational diabetes increases the risk of postpartum depression

According to a recent study from the Ilam University of Medical Sciences in Ilam, Iran, and the Behbahan College of Medical Sciences in Behbahan, Iran, gestational diabetes or pregnancy-related diabetes increases the risk of postpartum depression, or the new mother feels more depressed for a longer period of time than the “baby blues” women usually experience after giving birth. The researchers, reported in February 2019 in the journal Research and clinical practice of diabetes, Recommend postpartum screening for all women diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy.

The researchers reviewed a total of eighteen studies that yielded a total of 2,370,958 participants. Combining the results of all these studies and looking at them as if they were one large study, the researchers found that women with gestational diabetes had a 59 percent increased risk of developing postpartum depression, compared to non-diabetic postpartum women. According to the World Health Organization, about 13 percent of pregnant women worldwide suffer from postpartum depression. In developing countries, the number can go as high as 20 percent, and in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control estimates the number at about 1 in 9.

Many signs and symptoms of postpartum depression are very similar to those of typical depression, while others are specific to the condition.

• an anxious or empty state of mind that does not rise,

• have feelings of guilt, helplessness, hopelessness or worthlessness,

• feeling irritable or restless

• loss of interest in previously interesting activities,

• loss of energy,

• insomnia or sleeping too much

• difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making a decision

• overeating or experiencing loss of appetite

• having suicidal thoughts or attempts

• pain that does not respond to treatment

• crying,

• intense irritability

• withdrawal of family and friends,

• numb emotions or difficulty bonding with your baby

• being afraid of hurting your baby,

• feeling unable to care for your baby.

Depression and suicide hotlines are listed online. Family physicians can refer specialists with training and experience in treating depression. Physical activity is helpful for brain chemistry as it produces endorphins that make us feel better. Some people fear antidepressant medications, but they can make a big difference in beating depression. Some helpful medications include …

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):

• Prozac (fluoxetine)

• Zoloft (sertraline),

• Lexapro (escitalopram),

• Luvox (fluvoxamine),

• Prozac (fluoxetine),

• Celexa (citalopram),

• Vibrid (volazodone),

• Brintellix (vortioxetine),

Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs):

• Pristiq or Khedezia (desvenlafaxine),

• Effexor (venlaxafin),

• Fetzyme (levomilnacipran) and

• Cymbalta (duloxetine).

Tricyclics:

• Elavil (amitriptyline),

• Norpramine (desipramine),

• Asendin (amoxapine),

• Anafranil (clomipramine),

• Pamelor (nortriptyline),

• Tofranil (imipramine),

• Vivactil (protriptyline) and

• Surmontil (trimipramine.)

Untreated postpartum depression can last for months or longer. Treatment usually includes counseling, along with antidepressants or hormone therapy.