Scientists Reveal Effective Postpartum Depression Treatment—And It's Free

Postpartum depression affects roughly one in seven new mothers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But treatments to prevent and relieve this condition are still poorly understood.

Traditional treatments for postpartum depression involve psychological interventions and medication. However, high costs and potential side effects result in as many as 90 percent of patients going untreated. But new research suggests that there may be a different way to prevent and treat postpartum depression, with no side effects and no cost.

"Postpartum depression has various complex causes, potentially involving hormonal changes, physiological and psychological stress, life changes, and genetic factors," Renyi Liu, a researcher at the School of Physical Education at the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan, China, told Newsweek. "Factors such as rapid hormone level fluctuations, sleep disturbances, anxiety about new roles, and changes in personal identity can negatively impact mood."

According to Liu, roughly 13 million worldwide are diagnosed with the condition every single year.

"Approximately 50 percent to 75 percent of mothers encounter mild depressive symptoms, while around 10 percent to 15 percent experience postpartum depression within the initial week following childbirth," she said.

Numerous studies have suggested that physical activity can have positive effects on the symptoms of post-partum depression, but exactly how much exercise is required has, so far, remained unclear.

"Physical activity can release neurotransmitters such as endorphins and dopamine, improving mood," Liu said. "Additionally, exercise aids in improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and enhancing self-esteem, common symptoms of postpartum depression."

To establish which exercise routines are the most effective, Liu and colleagues conducted a systemic meta-analysis of 26 studies investigating the impact of aerobic exercise on postpartum depression treatment and prevention. In total, the team analyzed data from more than 2,800 participants and examined the effects of group exercise, supervised exercise and different frequencies and intensities of exercise.

Their results were published in the journal PLoS ONE on Wednesday.

"Research indicates that aerobic exercises, such as walking, jogging, and swimming, are particularly effective in alleviating postpartum depression symptoms," Liu said. "These activities help increase heart rate, promote blood circulation, and elevate neurotransmitter levels in the brain."

The team also found that supervised and group exercisers saw slightly better symptom alleviation than those who exercised alone. Moderate intensity exercise for 35 to 45 minutes also seemed to have a better effect on depressive symptoms compared to both low intensity exercise (for a duration of 50 to 60 minutes) and high intensity exercise (for a duration of 20 to 30 minutes).

From their results, the team conclude that the optimum exercise intervention was three to four times a week of moderate intensity exercise, lasting 35 to 45 minutes. However, before starting any new exercise regimen, Liu recommends consulting you doctor, especially just after giving birth.

Exercise is not a magic bullet when it comes to postpartum depression, and other interventions can still play an important role in relieving symptoms.

"Managing postpartum depression is a comprehensive process, and exercise is just one aspect," Liu said. "Professional psychological support, social connections, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet are equally important. If symptoms are severe, seeking timely medical assistance is recommended."