Other Therapy

Generally, psychotherapy and medications are used together. Psychotherapy alone may be effective in mild cases.

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an alternative to medication that may be appropriate for some women. IPT assists with social adjustments. It usually consists of 12 one-hour long sessions with a therapist. IPT has been shown to improve measures of depression in some women.

Teaching mothers skills such as controlling the baby's crying often reduces depressive symptoms during the first 2-4 months after delivery.

If your symptoms can't be controlled with counseling or medicine, and you are thinking about hurting yourself or your baby, then your doctor may consider putting you in the hospital.