What should I tell my patient who wants to use herbal medication instead of pharmaceuticals to treat her postpartum depression?
Any alternatives to pharmaceutical medications must be selected according to evidence-based criteria. To date, limited studies have been performed on herbal remedies for the treatment of postpartum depression. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown some beneficial effect for the treatment of major depression, but further studies are warranted for postpartum depression. The efficacy of St. John’s wort in the treatment of depression, and specifically postpartum depression, is questionable, and no studies have evaluated its transfer into breast milk. Kava has demonstrated known effects on neurotransmitter activity, and has been shown to be an effective treatment for moderately severe, non-psychotic anxiety. However, Kava should not be used by women who are breastfeeding. No studies have been performed on Chinese herbs in postpartum women. • How do I treat a new mother who is suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder? Show/Hide Answer First, it is important that the patient is properly diagnose
