Introduction
Neonatal depression is a condition in which the newborn takes a longer time for the transition from intrauterine life to extrauterine life. The normal behavior of the babies includes calming when being held by the caregiver and smiling in response to the attention given by caregivers. It is not as common as adult depression. All the children have days when they are fussier, irritable, sad, or quieter than other days. Long-lasting periods of any of these signs may indicate depression. Crying does not indicate depression; infant babies who do not cry may indicate depression.
Do All Babies Go Through Depression?
All babies are different, and not every baby goes through depression. If parents see a drastic change in the baby's behavior, it may indicate depression. Only a parent will be able to understand if the baby is facing depression. If the baby is less emotional, does not eat, has trouble sleeping, and is more irritable, the parents should act soon. Symptoms of depression include:
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Changes in the ability to express emotion.
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Changes in the ability to engage with other people.
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Less social-emotional interaction and well-being.
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Lack of interest.
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Delayed response.
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Senses are dulled.
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Disturbed sleep.
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Loss of interest in eating (decreased breastfeeding).
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Fatigued baby.
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In extreme cases, there will be the failure to thrive.
What Are the Causes of Neonatal Depression?
The following are the causes of neonatal depression:
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Brain Chemistry: Infants were more likely to develop depression before age two if they had stronger connections between the amygdala and other areas of the brain. The amygdala is the fear center of the brain.
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Genetics: Genetic predispositions can also play a role in changing connectivity patterns in the brain. Certain genetic variations or mutations can increase the vulnerability of a newborn to developing neonatal depression. For example, mutations in genes involved in the regulation of brain development, neurotransmitter signaling, or oxidative stress response may impact the baby's resilience to hypoxic-ischemic events during childbirth, which can contribute to neonatal depression.
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Environmental Factors: Environmental factors in pregnancy or early infancy can affect the genes involved in brain development and function, influencing the risk of neonatal depression. Environmental factors, such as birth complications, prenatal factors (substance abuse, toxins), maternal mental health, parental support, NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) environment, and postnatal stressors, can increase the risk of neonatal depression.
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The Mental Condition of Parents or Caregivers: Babies understand a lot about their parents in the womb, so if the mother is depressed, the baby has a greater chance of developing depression. The emotional well-being and mental health of parents or primary caregivers play an important role in the care and environment given to the newborn.
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Premature Births: Recent studies say there is no difference between full-term babies and premature babies. Premature birth, defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation, has many health challenges for the newborn or baby. While premature birth itself is not directly linked to a baby's depression, it can increase the risk that may contribute to the development of neonatal depression.
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Age: Neonatal depression is more common in the immediate neonatal period, typically within the first 72 hours after birth. However, it is important to note that neonatal depression can occur at any time during the first month of life. Depression rates are higher till six years of age.
How to Diagnose Neonatal Depression?
As infants, neonates have a language to express themselves. It is not easy to diagnose neonatal depression. There is only one way to interpret it; studying the behavior change.
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Study the emotional and behavior change— learn what is age specific and what is not.
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Make a journal — the depressed mood should be present for many days over two weeks.
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The symptoms of depression must occur in more than one activity and with all caregivers.
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The signs must cause impairment, distress to the child, or child development.
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Symptoms should not be due to any medical illness.
Talk to the pediatrician or any specialist if neonatal depression is suspected in the child. Act soon to avoid complications.
What Are the Treatment Options for Infant Depression?
If parents notice that the babies are facing depression for a few days, it may be due to some recent episode, for example, a caregiver leaving the child for a few days. It is self-treated or corrected once everyone is back to routine. No medications can be given at this age, so parents can work with a psychiatric doctor to help them understand the child's needs. Therapies like music therapy can help to make the child calm and ease symptoms of depression. Neonatal depression is not only treatable but also avoidable if the parents are more alert about the signs of depression in kids.
What Are Early Interventions to Avoid Neonatal Depression?
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The Family Environment: It plays a very important role in developing a child. Caregivers need to understand the importance of so many treatment options or therapies available for parents, and get access to the treatments required or which best fits the situation.
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Professional Intervention: It helps the child as well as the parents to understand the child's point of view. Also, protecting the mental health of the children and caregivers is crucial. Professional intervention in neonatal depression involves medical assessment, supportive care, treatment of underlying causes, psychological support for parents, collaborative care with various healthcare providers, and long-term follow-up to ensure the well-being and optimal development of the affected newborn. Parents should actively participate in any intervention for their children, which will lead to good results.
How Can Parents Cope With Neonatal Depression?
It is never easy for parents to understand that infants have emotions, especially when they cannot speak and describe themselves. Physical contact and interaction with children can help them cope with the situation when they experience depression. Showing interest by playing and talking to the baby can make them engaging. Age-appropriate toys can be used to stimulate the child. Books with contrasting pictures and adequate playtime can help the babies. Talking frequently with the babies will be helpful. Time and efforts help in reducing neonatal depression.
Do Parents Caring for Themselves Help Their Child to Cope With Depression?
Parents taking care of their mental health benefits the overall development of the child. Take help if the caregiver is diagnosed with depression. Parental depression poses a major risk to a child's social, emotional, and physical development. If the mother is experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, talk to the obstetrician or psychiatrist. Treatment will help to fight postpartum depression.
Conclusion:
Babies who are depressed are more likely to be depressed when they get older. Infant depression can last for more than two weeks; the mood is different from normal, causing distress in babies who may or may not cry, and no medical illness is associated. It is important to differentiate a normal mood from an abnormal one; signs of low mood do not always mean depression. Some changes in routine or behavior can cause stress in babies leading to the way infants act, but it may not cause mental stress and not lead to depression. Parents are always the best experts for their children, and they should actively be engaged in their lives. Books can be the best tools to help children experiencing distress (social and emotional). Mental health is as important as physical health.
