Postpartum Depression (PPD) and Medical Cannabis
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Overview
Emotional fluctuations after childbirth are common and typically subside within two weeks.¹ However, when these symptoms persist and interfere with a person's ability to care for themselves or their infant, it may indicate postpartum depression (PPD).¹ Affecting an estimated 6-12% of Australian women², PPD is widespread, yet many hesitate to seek treatment due to concerns around privacy³, fear of judgement, and a lack of adequate support⁴. Even when treatment is sought, conventional options often fall short in fully addressing the symptoms.
This module explores the potential role of medical cannabis in helping individuals with PPD, offering an alternative path toward symptom relief.
Preview this module by watching the video above.
Estimated Duration: 1 hour
Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to:
- Explain the pathophysiology, symptomatology and effects of PPD
- Identify conventional interventions for PPD and describe their potential strengths and drawbacks
- Discuss medical cannabis' mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential for treating symptoms of PPD (e.g. pain, low mood, anxiety and sleep problems)
- Identify considerations and risks for selecting medical cannabis products to treat PPD
References
¹ Mughal, Saba, et al. “Postpartum Depression.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, Jan. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070. Accessed 17 June 2024.
² Ogbo, Felix Akpojene, et al. “Determinants of Antenatal Depression and Postnatal Depression in Australia.” BMC Psychiatry, vol. 18, no. 1, Feb. 2018, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1598-x. Accessed 17 June 2024.
³ Brummelte, Susanne, and Liisa A. M. Galea. “Postpartum Depression: Etiology, Treatment and Consequences for Maternal Care.” Hormones and Behavior, vol. 77, Jan. 2016, pp. 153–66, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.08.008. Accessed 17 June 2024.
⁴ Zauderer, Cheryl. “Postpartum Depression: How Childbirth Educators Can Help Break the Silence.” Journal of Perinatal Education, vol. 18, no. 2, Jan. 2009, pp. 23–31, https://doi.org/10.1624/105812409x426305. Accessed 17 June 2024.
Overview
Emotional fluctuations after childbirth are common and typically subside within two weeks.¹ However, when these symptoms persist and interfere with a person's ability to care for themselves or their infant, it may indicate postpartum depression (PPD).¹ Affecting an estimated 6-12% of Australian women², PPD is widespread, yet many hesitate to seek treatment due to concerns around privacy³, fear of judgement, and a lack of adequate support⁴. Even when treatment is sought, conventional options often fall short in fully addressing the symptoms.
This module explores the potential role of medical cannabis in helping individuals with PPD, offering an alternative path toward symptom relief.
Preview this module by watching the video above.
Estimated Duration: 1 hour
Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to:
- Explain the pathophysiology, symptomatology and effects of PPD
- Identify conventional interventions for PPD and describe their potential strengths and drawbacks
- Discuss medical cannabis' mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential for treating symptoms of PPD (e.g. pain, low mood, anxiety and sleep problems)
- Identify considerations and risks for selecting medical cannabis products to treat PPD
References
¹ Mughal, Saba, et al. “Postpartum Depression.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, Jan. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070. Accessed 17 June 2024.
² Ogbo, Felix Akpojene, et al. “Determinants of Antenatal Depression and Postnatal Depression in Australia.” BMC Psychiatry, vol. 18, no. 1, Feb. 2018, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1598-x. Accessed 17 June 2024.
³ Brummelte, Susanne, and Liisa A. M. Galea. “Postpartum Depression: Etiology, Treatment and Consequences for Maternal Care.” Hormones and Behavior, vol. 77, Jan. 2016, pp. 153–66, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.08.008. Accessed 17 June 2024.
⁴ Zauderer, Cheryl. “Postpartum Depression: How Childbirth Educators Can Help Break the Silence.” Journal of Perinatal Education, vol. 18, no. 2, Jan. 2009, pp. 23–31, https://doi.org/10.1624/105812409x426305. Accessed 17 June 2024.