Maternal depression is not something that should be taken lightly. The World Health Organization reports that ten percent of all pregnant women are depressed. With depression being so common in today’s society, it is important to understand how it can manifest in women.
Depression can be broken into two categories depending on the severity of symptoms. A major depressive disorder is severe and is categorized by persistent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. A persistent depressive disorder is also a chronic form of depression, but it is considered milder.
Studies have looked at the brains of depressed individuals and have noticed lower levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. This observation has led doctors to prescribe depressed patients with different types of SSRIs (Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors). The theory behind SSRIs is that the medication “fixes the imbalance” in the brain, bringing serotonin levels back to normal.
Interestingly enough, this theory has been debunked over and over in the field of medical science. Although serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is necessary for the regulation of happiness, anxiety, and well-being, research is showing that it is not low serotonin levels that are causing depression. Clinical-depression.co.uk explains it like this:
“Serotonin is produced in the brain on an ongoing basis and in response to pleasure-giving experiences, in a normally healthy system. But if that system becomes less than healthy, if it is depressed for example, serotonin levels can drop. But low levels didn't cause the depression!”
Despite the evidence, dispensing rates of SSRI drugs have increased. One study, in particular, looked at the increase in dispensing rates over 16 years and noted a steady rise in both depressive cases in addition to SSRI drug use.