Postpartum Depression: Can SoCal TMS Help?

Postpartum depression is a medical condition that requires intervention. While there are studies that indicate SoCal TMS could be beneficial in treating postpartum depression (PPD), it has yet to be approved by the FDA. Here are a few facts about postpartum depression and its treatment options.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Many women will experience “baby blues” after giving birth. Typical postpartum blues include sadness, anxiety, and mood swings. Typically, these symptoms will resolve within a couple of weeks and do not prevent women from being able to care for their children and function normally.

Postpartum depression, on the other hand, will last longer and have more symptoms. Common PPD symptoms include:

  • Insomnia
  • Changes in Appetite
  • Feeling Worthless
  • Guilt
  • Anger
  • Fear
  • Agitation
  • Crying Frequently
  • Disconnect from the Baby
  • Obsessive Thoughts
  • A Feeling of Lost Control
  • Racing Thoughts
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Suicidal Thoughts

If left untreated, the symptoms can become worse over time. Common treatments are therapy, medication, and practical support.

Why Study TMS Pasadena?

Several studies have shown r-TMS to be effective for women who have had little success with common PPD treatments. Breastfeeding is one of the reasons why there is interest in SoCal TMS as an interventional therapy for postpartum depression. Antidepressants and other medications may pass from mother to child, so caution must be exercised if a mother chooses to breastfeed their child while undergoing treatment. TMS is non-pharmacological, reducing the risks to breastfeeding, but many practitioners will permit breastfeeding with certain medications because the risk to the child is low. Along with breastfeeding safety, TMS Pasadena is a non-invasive treatment that does not require an extended recovery or long monitoring times.

Zulresso and PPD

One proven treatment for postpartum depression that the FDA has approved is Zulresso. We are proud to provide Zulresso at Pasadena Neuropsychiatry. In fact, we are the only provider of this medication in the LA area. This medication is given in a medical setting via an IV infusion at a REMS-certified (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies Trusted Source) facility. Once the drug is administered, the patient is monitored carefully for any signs of potential side effects. Zulresso can also cause drowsiness, so it is essential that the patient be carefully monitored after treatment.

Although Zulresso is more invasive than oral medications, it has been shown to reduce the symptoms of PPD significantly. It is also well-tolerated by most patients.

Choosing a Treatment

At Pasadena Neuropsychiatry, we partner with you to choose a treatment option based on the evidence as well as your medical history and presenting symptoms. As of this time, the FDA has not issued its approval for SoCal TMS as a treatment for postpartum depression. Anyone who provides TMS for PPD is using it off-label.

If you do have any questions about Zulresso, TMS Pasadena, or any of the other treatments that we provide, please reach out to us. We would be happy to work with you. With our team, you are empowered to make medical decisions based on all available information.