Perinatal Mood Disorders and The Nigerian Woman

Years ago issues related to Depression was overlooked by most Nigerians. Today, as we gravitate towards the life style of the 21st century, we are beginning to gain better understanding and feel the impact of depression in our society. It is no longer an issue to be overlooked especially when it affects the childbearing woman. It is estimated that approximately 10-15% of women perinatal experience depression, which can cause severe psychological distress for the woman as well as disturbances in infant development and family progress.

Perinatal mood disorders (PMD's) may occur mildly in form of the 'Baby Blues' which occurs during the first few weeks after delivery. Between 50-85% of women experience some form of the “baby blues”. In contrast to depression, women who experience the blues report feeling mood swings, irritability, anxiety and weepy. This may begin anywhere from 4-5 days post delivery and may last for a few hours or days, most symptoms subside on their own within a 2 week period. Women experience symptoms. While no specific form of treatment is necessary, sometimes the blues can lead to a more significant mood disorder.

Postpartum Depression which is not as mild as the Baby blues and not as severe as pospartum psychosis usually goes undiagnosed and untreated. It usually may occur between delivery date and one year postpartum. Women in this condition may experience:

• Feeling irritable, moody, overwhelmed, sad or hopeless
• Frequent bouts of crying
• Lack of energy or motivation
• Appetite Fluctuations
• Sleep disturbances or changes in sleeping pattern
• Have trouble maintaining focus or being indecisive
• Difficulty remembering things
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Loss of interest or joy in normal activities
• Withdrawn and somber
• Having frequent headaches, body aches and pains or stomach pain that will not subside

While postpartum depression occurs in women who have recently delivered a baby, it is important to note that women who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth, can also go through postpartum depression.

Finally Postpartum Psychosis may occur in extreme cases. About 2% of women fall victim of this condition.Symptoms include:

• Rapid, manic episodes
• Rapid heartbeat
• Weight loss
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Rapid shift in moods (going from highs to extreme lows)
• Erratic and scattered behavior
• Delusions
• Auditory Hallucinations that drive the mother to harm the infant, are also possible.
• Risk of suicide or infanticide

Other kinds of PMD's include: Postpartum Panic Disorder, Prenatal Anxiety, Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Postpartum Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

If you think you or a loved one may have PMD's:

• Talk about your feelings with people
you trust
• Tell your doctor
• Ask family and friends to help care for
the baby
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise for more energy
• Join a PPD support group
• Seek treatment if feelings of unhappiness
last longer than two weeks
• Call +2348098346461 to find treatment
services near your home
• Visit www.postpartum.net

Unfortunately statistics of suffering women in Nigeria are unavailable, therefore how and where to find and help such women remains unclear. If you do have any info about what obtains in Nigeria do update me

Ugbaja Pamela
FIM Coordinator
+2348037012457