The effects of diabetes during and after pregnancy on some mothers, and its relation to mental health problems.

Is there any research which can show a link to post natal depression and post partum psychosis with diabetes and are there any special guidelines to help mothers and helpers to understand possible complications of diabetes, during pregnancy and after giving birth.

[suramo Star]

I don't think diabetes is directly related to psychosis.

[Hidden in reply to suramo]

Post natal psychotic depression is a form of depression - and some research indicates that

women with diabetes have twice the possibility of depression after birth. Both men and women are more likely to have mental health problems associated with diabetes.

The incidence used to be 1 in 100,000 with post partum psychosis but recent statistics suggest it is 1 in a 1000 which is some difference. As there has not been much research in recent years with endocrine imbalances, it is hard to find any research in the UK.

Though this is a psychiatric label I think you will agree that sepsis, delirium, kidney, and other infections, or difficult births with sleep deprivation, are physical and organic causes

contributing to this condition. Old research indicates progesterone deficiency, and pre eclampsia, can be predictors of ppp. Thanks for reply.

[suramo Star in reply to Hidden]

Is there any logical / evidence based scientific explanation?

[Hidden in reply to suramo]

The post partum psychosis website does include medical complications such as sepsis and delirium as contributory factors. It also includes sleep deprivation as a contributory factor. The research is from NHS research and guidelines.

Women in the late 80s were treated for progesterone deficiency after birth

and this is said to reduce the possibility of PPP. The research was made by Katherina Dalton an endocrinologist who advised the BMJ and GPs of hormone imbalance for women with PMT. The progesterone levels were tested during pregnancy. There are interesting articles on her contributions to hormone imbalance in women which is discounted in many health authorities, preferring the use of olanzapine and other drugs, which may help some but may not treat an underlying hormone imbalance. The PPP website has older contributions from women who were given progesterone treatment which are interesting to read. As for diabetes research in connection with postnatal depression, it is there, but it will take time to collate information from different countries and pinpoint the research.

Will try to research this from diabetes websites here and abroad for my own personal information. Thank you for your logical reply.

[socratesanne]

This is something I need to address with a human and the depression seems to wax and wane. Progesterone was addressed but not given? Is it recommended. Diabetes is not a problem but BP and preeclampsia Hx is viable. What is sugested before going to speak to MD, who seems to not be helping and now scripting antidepressants, also scary?