Editor’s note: Dr. Neha Chaudhary is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and chief medical officer at Harvard Medical School. modern health.
CNN
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When I found out I was pregnant a few years ago, I was filled with excitement, but was soon overwhelmed by worry and anxiety.
Was my mental health okay after giving birth during the so-called puerperium? As a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, I am aware of the increasing rates of postpartum mental health problems and the clear changes in the healthcare system for new mothers. I knew more about the disparities than anyone else. Knowledge is usually power, but knowledge scared me.
After the birth of my son, I was lucky to not suffer from anything more than normal sleep deprivation and fatigue. And it felt like the world as I knew it had ended. But I was still shocked and lost as to what I had to find out for myself. I had hoped that new mothers would be checked more often after the humans are born.
Now that I’m pregnant with my second child, I don’t feel the same fear I felt with my first. But it still worries me to know that our health care system doesn’t provide enough support for new parents.
With recent approval, First medicine for postpartum depression, I feel conflicted both in my work and private life. On the other hand, supporting new mothers when they need it most is a big step in the right direction. On the other hand, we also know that it is still not enough.
For some parents, the postpartum period can be one of the most difficult times in their lives, and the truth is, our healthcare system is not set up to support new mothers. . Pregnant women see their doctors at least monthly, and sometimes weekly, in preparation for childbirth. However, after your baby is born, the recommended visit to a medical professional is not for another six weeks.
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It is estimated that one in seven women experiences postpartum depression. Many new mothers have to navigate this medically serious condition on their own.
For some parents, those six weeks can feel like a lifetime. It is estimated that up to 70% of women can experience ‘baby blues’, in which they feel sadder or more anxious than usual for a short period of time. 1 in 7 women I experienced postpartum depression. unfortunately, up to 50% Many women with postpartum depression go undiagnosed.
In developed countries without paid parental leave, many new mothers are forced to overcome serious medical conditions on their own. Not only is the mother at risk, but the baby’s health is also at great risk.
recently, Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration The first drug for severe postpartum depression, Zuzuzubae (zuranolone). This is undoubtedly a milestone for the field. Not only is it the first oral medication for this serious condition, it also works faster than regular antidepressants. Treatment lasts for 14 days, with some patients seeing improvement in just a few days.
Indirect benefits: The introduction of these treatments has finally put postpartum depression on the map and raised awareness about a condition that affects most people. 500,000 American women Every year. It is that recognition that begins to reduce stigma and encourages people to seek help when they need it. Clinicians may be able to test for postpartum depression more often, knowing they have tools that may be helpful if the test comes back positive.
But there’s a catch. Such a new drug would undoubtedly be cost-prohibitive for many people. The worst part is that mothers living in poverty commonly exhibit symptoms such as: higher price They have higher rates of postpartum depression than people in high-income areas. So the people who need medicine the most may have the hardest time getting it. To close rather than widen health equity gaps, it is important to address barriers to mental health care for all mothers, including low-income women and women with limited access to health care. .
There is still work to be done to truly support new mothers (and fathers), including more frequent postpartum check-ins, paid parental leave from the workplace, and stronger childcare support. The new drug is a step in the right direction.
As an expectant mother, I’m excited to finally bring attention to this disease that is taking away what should be the most special moments of people’s lives. As a psychiatrist, I understand both the promise of new medicines and the challenges of barriers to access for many people who need them.
Either way, I hope this drug opens the door to more vulnerable conversations between mothers and doctors, increases testing for postpartum depression, increases effective treatments for the most severe cases, and ultimately I hope this will bring about major changes in the system to catch those who are slipping through the cracks. that.
