Postpartum Panic Disorder
Here in this post, we are providing the “Postpartum Panic Disorder”. You can discuss more your concerns about mental health in our community, and we will provide you with tips and solutions in a short time. Keep visiting Mental Health.
The basics of postpartum panic disorder
New mothers can experience postpartum panic disorder in the first few months after giving birth. Postpartum panic disorder, unlike postpartum depression, is a triggered condition that causes excessive worry, fear, and anxiety. A woman suffering from postpartum panic disorder may find it difficult to cope with and can cause severe health problems. There are many treatment options that can help women deal with panic attacks and intense anxiety.
What is Postpartum Panic Disorder (PPD)?
A type of postpartum anxiety disorder is called panic disorder. This serious mental condition can cause severe problems and hinder your ability to function every day. Postpartum panic disorder, unlike postpartum depression, is characterized by intense fear and worry that interfere with daily functioning. Panic attacks are a result of anxious thoughts.
Panic attacks can occur frequently or occasionally. Panic attacks can be triggered by many factors, including thoughts and fears about the baby’s health and well-being.
Postpartum panic disorder affects whom?
Research shows that postpartum panic disorder can affect between 4-10 percent of mothers. Postpartum panic disorder, as with all forms of postpartum depression can be underdiagnosed or not reported.
Many women avoid or ignore their symptoms, and don’t seek treatment or help. Many women share their symptoms with family members and are told they are naturally nervous and should not worry. Panic attacks can cause emotional, psychological, and physiological distress.
Postpartum panic disorder: Risk factors and causes
Postpartum panic disorder is not caused by one thing. It is more likely that it is caused by a combination of biological and risk factors.
A drop in hormone levels is thought to partly trigger postpartum depression. The female body desires to lower hormone levels after childbirth and during pregnancy. These hormone levels can lead to changes in moods or behavior. These mood changes can lead to anxiety and emotional distress if they are severe enough.
The body has natural reactions to distress and fear. Panic attacks occur when fear and distress levels are too high. You may be suffering from undiagnosed postpartum anxiety disorder if panic attacks are frequent and have an impact on your daily life. Any type of postpartum condition can only be diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or licensed mental health professional.
Many mothers worry about their ability to provide for their children. These feelings can lead to postpartum panic disorder.
Postpartum Panic Disorder Risk Factors
Women with the following histories may be at higher risk for developing panic disorder after having a baby.
- Anxiety from the past
- Previous panic disorder diagnosis
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Traumatic childbirth
- Negative experiences during childbirth
- Poor nutrition, fatigue, and lack of sleep are all signs of poor health.
Women who feel alone or are financially struggling may experience more anxiety while caring for a baby.
Symptoms of Postpartum Panic Disorder
Symptoms of postpartum panic disorder usually appear within the first few days following childbirth. These symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually worsen over the 12 months following childbirth.
These are the most common symptoms of postpartum panic disorder.
- Difficulty remembering and concentrating
- It can be difficult to complete tasks completely
- Distracted easily
- Indecisiveness
- Inability to relax
- Fatigue and insomnia
- Appetite loss
- Feeling anxious for long periods of time
- Anxiety, worry, and fear can lead to overwhelm and extreme anxiety.
- Agitation or irritability
- Fear or worry about something bad happening can lead to people avoiding certain things.
- Agoraphobia is a fear of being in public and open spaces.
- Suicidal thoughts and/or attempts
- Panic attacks
Postpartum panic disorder sufferers have three common fears:
- Fear of death
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of going insane
These fears can cause panic attacks, which can be more frequent and more severe than the ones you have now.
Panic Attack Symptoms
Panic attacks are one of the most common symptoms of postpartum anxiety disorder. Panic attacks can occur suddenly and last anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. A panic attack usually lasts for about 10 minutes.
These are the signs and symptoms of panic attacks:
- Breathing difficulties or breathlessness
- Tightening and chest pain
- Feeling like your throat is being squeezed or choked
- Heart rate and palpitations increase
- Excessive sweating
- Hot flashes and chills
- Shaking hands, shaking your body, and feeling trembling
- Tingling sensation or numbness in the extremities
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Unsteadiness or feeling like you are going to faint
- Nausea and upset stomach
- Feeling isolated or disconnected from the world
- Perception of imminent danger or death.
As everyone experiences them differently, not all symptoms may be present in a panic attack. A panic attack will usually present at least four of the above symptoms.
Postpartum panic disorder treatment
There are many ways to treat panic disorder after giving birth. First, women must acknowledge and address their symptoms, particularly those that are affecting their physical health. A mental health professional can help women suffering from panic attacks and intense anxiety. They can also help them learn coping skills through therapy sessions. Women can learn to manage panic attacks by understanding what triggers them and how to control them.
Prescription medications such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) can be used to treat postpartum panic disorder. It can take several weeks for these antidepressants to start working. If symptoms persist, a doctor or psychiatrist may prescribe medication to relieve anxiety, such as benzodiazepines, for those who have severe symptoms.
Women with postpartum panic disorder may be able to recover through a combination of therapy and medication.
Follow