[ad_1]
But the experts have serious concerns.
Postpartum depression affects one in seven new Australian mothers, according to Direct health. It's different from the "baby blues" that can last a few days after delivery.
The depression persists and worsens often, and can in some cases be dangerous for the mother and the baby.
As part of a world first, an effective fast-acting drug has been developed to treat postpartum depression has been approved in America.
The drug works within 48 hours. This is a significant improvement over antidepressants, the effect of which may take weeks, if at all.
"Postpartum depression is a serious condition that, when it is serious, can be life threatening," said Dr. Tiffany Farchione of the Food and Drug Administration in a statement.
"This [FDA] The approval marks the first time that a drug is specifically approved to treat postpartum depression, offering a new and important treatment option. "
"It does not suit the vast majority of women"
Although medical experts are satisfied with the new drug, there are serious concerns.
"This drug is very expensive and would cost tens of billions of dollars to treat only a fraction of the severely affected women," said Dr. Harvey Karp, expert in parenting skills and author of The happiest baby in the neighborhood.
According to Sage Therapeutics, the drug's manufacturer, an infusion costs an average of $ 34,000 (AU $ 47,500).
The drug is given by infusion over a period of 60 hours. A new mother must stay at the treatment center while receiving the medication. According to Dr. Karp, it is also an extreme measure for less severe forms of depression.
"Hospitalization and IV pharmacotherapy are not suitable for the vast majority of women – and men – suffering from less severe versions of MPP."
The baby blues disappears after a few days, while postpartum depression worsens. Photo: iStock
"It does absolutely nothing to prevent the problem"
Dr. Karp is concerned that drug infusion is a reactionary measure to a problem that professionals should try to prevent from being the first port of call.
"We are all delighted to have another tool to help severely depressed women, but this therapy absolutely does not prevent a problem that affects nearly a million new parents every year," she said. he declared.
"Our main goal should be to develop interventions to give parents the skills and support they need to stop this thief from being stuck with new parents."
Source link
