Dr. Archana Shindy

Hormonal changes in women increase senstivity and may also lead to the occurance of gingivitis.

In many cases, the body responds to a stressful or traumatic situation by disassociating with it. This can result in the development of a dissociative disorder. A dissociative disorder or dissociative amnesia is a mental illness that involves the breaking down of memory, consciousness, identity and perception. It can interfere with a person's general functioning, social life and relationships. People suffering from dissociative amnesia can have long gaps in their memory of the accident and the time before and after it. 

Women are at a higher risk of suffering from this condition as compared to men. It has also been found to have a genetic link as people suffering from this condition often have other members of their family who experience something similar. Manmade and natural disasters such as wars, floods, earthquakes etc that cause overwhelming stress is said to trigger this disease. 

The inability to recall past events is a primary symptom of this disease. Other symptoms include:

• Depression or anxiety
• Inability to remember personal information
• Substance abuse
• Mood swings
• Sexual dysfunction
• Panic attacks
• Obsessive compulsive symptoms
• Hallucinations and 
• Social withdrawal

Treatment for this disease is a two step process. The first step involves relieving symptoms and controlling any behavioral changes. The second step aims at helping the person to recall and process their memories. Developing coping skills and rebuilding relationships is also focused on. Depending on the individual and the severity of symptoms showcased a doctor may choose to treat the patient using any of the following forms of treatment. 

1. Psychotherapy: This form of treatment is designed to encourage communication and give the person insight into their problems. It uses a number of psychological techniques. 
2. Cognitive therapy: Changing dysfunctional thinking patterns and their resulting emotions and behavior patterns is the focus of this form of treatment.  
3. Medication: Dissociative amnesia patients who also suffer from depression or anxiety can benefit from medication such as anti depressants and anti anxiety drugs. However, this medication does not treat the dissociative amnesia itself. 
4. Family therapy: In some cases, along with the patient it is also necessary to counsel the family. Family therapy involves educating the family members about the disorder and symptoms of recurrence. 

Clinical hypnosis: This type of treatment uses intense relaxation and focused attention techniques to access the unconscious part of the mind and allow people to explore their thoughts, emotions and repressed memories.

Pregnancy is that wonderful and beautiful phase that most women rejoice about. However, many may find it hard to believe that pregnancy can bring with it a condition known as ‘antenatal depression’. This is a common condition in expecting mothers and should not be ignored.

Depression during pregnancy like regular depression is a clinical condition and requires further investigation and management. Pregnancy is related to the female hormones and therefore, mood swings are common (as during PMS and menopause). However, depressed pregnant women would typically have the following associated symptoms too.

1. Altered eating habits

2. Altered sleeping patterns (too much or too less)

3. Loss of attention/ability to focus

4. Losing interest in activities which usually interest the person

5. Feeling very anxious

6. Constant feeling of sadness

7. Uncertainty about the future

8. Feeling of worthlessness

9. Suicidal tendencies

It has been noted about 25% of women can get depressed during pregnancy for varying periods of time. Some potential reasons for this are as below.

1. Strained relationships: One of the most important factors for a healthy pregnancy is a happy relationship, not just with the partner, but with immediate and close family members with whom there is a high level of regular interaction.

2. Work stress: For working women, a stressful office environment could take a toll on their moods.

3. Previous miscarriages: This can cause anxiety and depression about possible repeat incident.

4. Potential complications: If the periodic examinations showed up possibility for complications in pregnancy, the chance of depression in the mother increase.

How it affects pregnancy?

A depressed mother would not be able to care for herself and  therefore, the baby may not get adequate nutrition for its development. Additionally, the potential for nicotine and alcohol abuse increases, which also negatively impacts the baby’s growth. There could be low birth weight, premature birth and developmental delays after birth.

How it can be managed?

While the hormonal changes during pregnancy causes mood swings, diagnosing if it is depression is important. A consultation with a psychiatrist may be required for some women.

Some of the options available for treatment include support groups, individual counseling, and medications.

1. It is important to understand that this is a common condition and you are not the only one going through this. Talking to other women who feel depressed can help in mood uplifting of all involved.

2. If you are too shy about it, individual counseling could be the next best thing.

3. Stress management including light exercise, music, meditation, rest, diet, and support from close friends and family are highly recommended.

4. Since most antidepressants would reach the baby, it is advisable to avoid these less you need them as a last resort. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a psychologist.