215: Postpartum Depression

There are many misconceptions about postpartum depression, what it is, and how it manifests itself. This episode will clear up some of the myths and bring clarity, hope, and awareness to this topic. Join us to learn more! Kristina Deligiannidis, MD, received her medical degree from and completed her psychiatry residency and chief residency in psychopharmacology research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. After residency, she completed a visiting fellowship and further training in multimodal neuroimaging at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging. Dr. Deligiannidis joined the faculty at Zucker Hillside Hospital, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in September 2016. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and currently serves as the director of women’s behavioral health at Zucker Hillside Hospital. As a reproductive psychiatrist, she has expertise in treating women with mood and anxiety disorders linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause.  Show Highlights: How Dr. D came to this field that blends neuroscience, psychiatry, and women’s health Why her research into postpartum depression focuses on the female hormones before, during, and after pregnancy and childbirth Postpartum depression defined and explained: It is a mix of emotional, physical, and other symptoms that usually begin with sadness, loss of pleasure in activities, sleep difficulties, appetite disturbances, irritability, agitation, guilt, loss of worth, and more. How postpartum depression and “baby blues” differ in severity, onset, and duration How changes in the brain take place due to pregnancy hormones increasing and decreasing with the birth process Risk factors for perinatal depression include a personal history of depression, increased stressors, and minimal support How moms describe postpartum depression with feelings of isolation and a loss of self How many women suffer without getting the help and support they need and have long-term effects Why we need to do a better job in recognizing and treating postpartum depression for the sake of moms, babies, families, and society How the risks for depression in pregnancy and the postpartum can differ from each other D explains a recent study by Healthy Woman that shows the pressure women feel to “do it all” and like they are “bothering someone” if they ask for help How people can prepare for life with a new baby and prioritize their emotional health Why a higher percentage of Hispanic and black women report inadequate social support and poor access to their healthcare providers in the early postpartum period, as compared with white women How a new program, Check On Mom, helps with developing a maternal mental wellness plan Resources: My Check On Mom  Connect with Kristina