Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
PMAD Insights
PMAD Treatment & Support
Many professional services are available to help individuals experiencing a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder. The level of treatment recommended will depend on the diagnosis and the severity of the symptoms. Look for a therapist with advanced training in the treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD).
Support Groups
Talking with others who understand can be a great place to find support and meet people who have recovered from PMAD.
Outpatient Treatment
Most women experiencing a PMAD or men experiencing paternal depression can receive treatment on an outpatient basis. Services can include counseling for individuals and their family members, individual therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, support and therapy groups. Often a support person and the infant are welcome to accompany the individual to treatment. Many of these services are also available via online video chat with licensed therapists.
Day or Partial Hospitalization Programs
For individuals with more severe symptoms but with good support at home, these programs can provide intensive counseling and therapy while allowing parents to return home at night. In these programs, individuals learn skills to help them deal with stress, anxiety and depression symptoms and focus on topics including self-care and child-care skills. A few programs in the country permit a mother to attend day sessions with her infant, providing nursery and other resources to help care for her infant.
Psychiatric Hospitalization
For those with severe symptoms such as postpartum psychosis or fear of self-harm, treatment is provided in a psychiatric hospital or unit—a safe environment where healing can begin. Typically inpatient length of stay is 8-10 days and an individual aftercare plan will include some combination of day treatment, outpatient therapy and support group participation.
Pine Rest provides all of the services noted above and can help connect individuals with resources in their community.
For information about Counseling, Psychiatry and Psychological Assessment & Testing for women who may be struggling with PMAD, please call 866.852.4001.
