Critical issues in the pharmacological treatment of postpartum depression

Authors

  • Pedro Vieira da Silva Magalhães Universidade Católica de Pelotas
  • Ricardo Tavares Pinheiro Universidade do Porto
  • Augusto Duarte Faria Universidade Católica de Pelotas
  • Camila Moreira Osório Universidade Católica de Pelotas
  • Ricardo Azevedo da Silva Universidade do Minho

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832006000500004

Keywords:

Postpartum depression, drug therapy, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, breast feeding, child development

Abstract

CONTEXT: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a frequent complication of childbirth, with complexities in its clinical management. OBJECTIVE: In this review article, we propose clinical questions which are relevant to the pharmacological treatment of PPD. METHOD: Searches were performed in MEDLINE, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Biological Abstracts, Lilacs and in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. RESULTS: Current treatment guidelines for the treatment of depression apply to women with PPD which are not breastfeeding. Significant antidepressant levels are more often detected in children exposed to fluoxetine or citalopram. In those who are exposed, untoward effects and reduced growth are possible. CONCLUSIONS: Until the impact of antidepressant exposure through breastfeeding is better understood, a possible clinical approach would be to prescribe antidepressants generally not detected in the infants' plasma, such as sertraline or paroxetine.

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Published

2006-01-01

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 5 (2006)

Section

Reviews of Literature

License

Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.

Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.

How to Cite

Critical issues in the pharmacological treatment of postpartum depression . (2006). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 33(5), 245-248. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832006000500004