What is PPD?

Postpartum depression (PPD) can affect any new mother and typically happens during the first year of motherhood.  It is a serious mental health condition characterized by mood swings, anxiety, feelings of low self-worth and hopelessness and extreme levels of fatigue.  PPD harms a mother’s ability to look after her newborn baby and take care of herself.  In the past, this condition has been treated using a combination of medication and talking therapies.  However, while this has been effective for many women, some do not respond fully to these traditional methods.  Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a promising alternative to conventional methods.  It benefits those mothers seeking an alternative to or a combination with traditional treatments.

The “Baby Blues” vs Postpartum Depression

In the first few days following childbirth, there is an expected drop in hormone levels.  This drop can bring about what has been termed ‘the baby blues”.  This is quite common and short-lived, lasting only a couple of weeks.  Many mothers report mild mood swings and unexpected tearfulness.  However, Post Partum Depression (PDD) tends to last longer.  The feelings are more intense, and professional assessment and treatment are needed to resolve the illness.

Symptoms of PPD

PPD is a severe illness which impacts one in 7 new mothers and is one of the most common complications in recovery following childbirth.  The symptoms of PPD can severely disrupt a mother’s ability to bond with her child, take care of herself and provide the care needed for her newborn.  The symptoms include:

• Irritability
• Turbulent mood swings
• A sense of hopelessness
• Intense sadness
• Emotional and physical withdrawal from loved ones
• Lack of bonding with baby
• Excessive and uncontrollable crying
• Appetite increase or loss
• Erratic sleep patterns
• Thoughts of harming the baby
• Ideas of/attempted suicide. PPD is the second leading cause of death among postpartum women in the US
• Psychosis – around 1 in 750 women will develop psychosis alongside PDD and need admission to a mental health unit.

How TMS can help in the treatment of Postpartum Depression

The FDA has approved Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in treating depression, and PDD has been shown to respond well.  TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.  The procedure involves placing a magnetic coil against the scalp and delivering magnetic pulses to specific brain areas involved in mood regulation.

How TMS can help in the treatment of Postpartum Depression

Research has indicated that if a woman feels depressed before or during pregnancy, she is more likely to suffer from PPD after she gives birth.  Since TMS is non-invasive, it can be used safely during pregnancy and after childbirth and does not disrupt a mother’s ability to breastfeed her baby should she choose to do so.

The TMS uses magnetic pulses, which act on the prefrontal cortex.  This part of the brain helps regulate mood.  It also plays a role in emotional responses and decision-making.  These are all negatively affected by PPD.  By stimulating activity in the prefrontal cortex, TMS helps relieve the symptoms of PPD.  Treatment will be needed over several weeks and take place on weekdays as an outpatient.  Each session takes around 30-40 minutes.

TMS has been shown to affect the brain’s ability to form new connections and helps to increase the levels of chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin.  These neurotransmitters are crucial in maintaining mood and are often depleted in depressive illness.   Once they have risen to nearer normal levels, there is an increase in brain activity, leading to a lifting of the feelings associated with PPD.

Benefits of TMS for Postpartum Depression

 

TMS is non-invasive and has few side effects; those that exist are localized to the scalp.  Some people report mild headaches, which quickly pass.  Since TMS requires no medication, it has no effect on breastfeeding.  This is important since breastfeeding, as well as having nutritional benefits for the newborn, also helps to counteract the difficulties in bonding a mother may experience as a result of PPD.

Of course, for some women, medication is also needed, and TMS can be given in conjunction with antidepressants, psychotherapy, or counseling with no ill effects.  In fact, TMS can enhance the action of traditional modes of treatment.

Patients who have had TMS often report an improvement in mood swings, anxiety and feelings of low self-worth and hopelessness.  This is key to improving the quality of life for mothers struggling with PPD and their families.  TMS provides a fresh approach and a new hope for recovery for some patients where traditional remedies have not been effective.

What happens at my appointment?

Your first appointment will involve a full assessment of your medical history, your symptoms and any other information that may be useful to confirm that you are suitable for TMS.  After this, TMS will be given as a series of treatments over several weeks.  Each session will occur on an outpatient basis and take 30-40 minutes.  You will be seated in a comfortable chair while the magnetic coil passes across your scalp.  You will be awake, aware, and able to go about your day once the session is complete.

Patients are monitored throughout treatment to see how well the treatment is working.  You will have a personal treatment protocol, which will be adjusted to meet your individual needs.  Many experience significant improvement within the first few weeks.  For others, it may take a little longer.

Once your treatment schedule has been completed, you will be invited back to follow-up appointments.  This allows you to discuss any ongoing needs you may have.  Some people need a few maintenance sessions to maintain their recovery, which will be addressed in the follow-up meetings and tailored to your needs.

TMS in Colorado

According to the Colorado Maternal Mental Health Collaborative and Framework, in 2018, around 11% of moms in Colorado reported the symptoms of PPD.  The need for treatment is significant.  Along with the rest of the US, Colorado has seen growth in awareness and diagnosis of the condition.  The Southern Colorado TMS Center provides high-quality TMS delivered by highly qualified and experienced mental health professionals.  Our aim is to increase access to TMS, which is both safe and affordable, to help improve the overall quality of life for new mothers who are experiencing this debilitating condition.