Teen Vaping

Posted on October 23, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor produced by the heated nicotine liquid in an electronic cigarette, vape pen, or personal vaporizer.

Vaping has become a popular alternative to traditional smoking in recent years. It has even been marketed as a safer option for smoking cigarettes.

Although some of the health risks associated with vaping appear to be less severe than traditional smoking, there are still risks. They include:

Nicotine is highly addictive, and exposure during adolescence can harm the developing brain

E-cigarettes contain chemicals that can cause irreversible lung damage and alter teen brains

E-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which is known to cause cancer, and acrolein, which is used as a weed killer and can cause irreversible lung damage

Youth who use e-cigarettes are more likely to go on to use traditional cigarettes

In the short term, e-cigarette aerosol can irritate your lungs, throat, and eyes. It can also make it more likely that you’ll catch colds or get the flu

In addition to these health risks, vaping can cause other harmful effects, including:

Altered oral microbiome leading to gum disease, tooth decay, oral mucosal lesions, impaired wound healing, dry mouth, and bad breath

Cavities and gum disease

Short- and long-term effects on attention, learning, and memory

Irritability and mood swings

Insomnia, restlessness, and sleeplessness

Coughing and wheezing

Nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness

Increased risk of seizures, especially in youth

New onset of seizures

Severe burns or other injuries due to vape explosions

Vaping among teens has become popular due to several factors, including:

Some vapes can cost less than regular cigarettes, as well as price incentives or free samples

Gamification through engaging features, competition, reward systems, and flavors attractive to youth

Sleek and modern design of devices that feature bright colors to give them a less harmful appearance

Social influences, such as the use of online or social media strategies

Positioning products at festivals and within digital games

Predatory marketing tactics like those used by tobacco companies

Here are some facts to know about vaping:

In 2024, more than 1.6 million U.S. youth vaped

Vapes have been the most used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the U.S. for a decade

Disposable e-cigarettes were the most common type of vape used in 2024, at 55.6%. What’s more, 87.6% of those e-cigarette users vaped flavored e-cigarettes

When vaping, nicotine absorbs rapidly and reaches the brain quickly, delivering a dopamine surge resulting in feelings of pleasure and reward

Use of multiple tobacco products is also a concern among middle and high school students, with 38.9% and 36.6% of users, respectively, using more than one type of tobacco product in 2024

Youth who vape are 3 to 4 times more likely to go on to smoke tobacco compared to teens who do not vape

More than half of middle and high school students who currently use e-cigarettes want to quit and have tried to quit; in 2020, 63.9% of current e-cigarette users reported wanting to quit, and 67.4% reported trying to quit in the last year

As of September 2025, there were only 39 FDA-authorized e-cigarette products for sale to persons over the age of 21. The sale of e-cigarettes to persons under the age of 21 is prohibited

Flushing Hospital Medical Center provides extensive assistance for people willing to quit smoking. It offers a free smoking cessation support group and one-on-one sessions, both in person and by phone. For more information, please call 718-206-8494.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

RSV

Posted on October 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV is a seasonal virus that spreads in fall and winter alongside other respiratory viruses, usually peaking in December and January.

RSV symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from the common cold or other respiratory viruses like the flu or COVID-19. RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms that most commonly appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus, including:

Congested or runny nose

Dry cough

Low-grade fever

Sore throat

Sneezing

Headache

Lack of energy

Decreased appetite

Severe cases of RSV affect babies 12 months and younger, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone who is immunocompromised. Severe infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Signs and symptoms include:

Fever

Severe cough

Wheezing

Rapid or difficult breathing

Cyanosis or bluish color of skin due to the lack of oxygen

Infants are affected most severely by RSV. Signs and symptoms of severe infection in infants include:

Short, shallow, and rapid breathing

Struggling to breathe

Cough

Decreased appetite

Unusual tiredness

Irritability

RSV is very contagious and can easily spread while symptomatic, which is usually a period of three to eight days. RSV can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is spread through respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze and through direct contact, such as shaking hands.

RSV can infect anyone and can cause many complications, such as hospitalization, middle ear infection, asthma, and repeated infections. However, there are ways to prevent those who are at risk of getting severe infections, including:

Protection for babies and high-risk children

- Antibody product called nirsevimab

- Vaccines for pregnant people

Vaccine for older adults

Lifestyle habits that can prevent the spread of infection

- Washing your hands often

- Avoiding exposure

- Keeping surfaces and common areas clean

- Not sharing drinking glasses with others

- Not smoking

- Washing toys regularly

A healthcare provider can diagnose RSV based on results of a physical exam and the time of year the symptoms occur. They will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for wheezing or other abnormal sounds. Lab and imaging tests aren’t usually needed, but they can help diagnose RSV complications and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These tests can include:

Blood tests to check white cell counts or to look for viruses, bacteria, and other germs

Chest X-rays to check for lung inflammation

Swab secretions from inside the mouth or nose to check for signs of the virus

Pulse oximetry to detect lower-than-normal levels of oxygen in the blood

Treatment for RSV usually involves self-care and supportive care measures to make your child more comfortable. Some self-care and supportive care treatment measures include:

Over-the-counter medication

Nasal saline drops

Using a humidifier

Drinking fluids

Staying away from cigarette smoke

Hospital care may be needed if severe symptoms occur and may include treatments, such as intravenous fluids, humidified oxygen, and a breathing machine.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of RSV, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Emotional Eating

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Emotional eating is using food to escape, numb, change, or amplify our feelings. It is a very common and normal coping mechanism in response to strong feelings.

When a person is an emotional eater, they have difficulty telling the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger.

Physical hunger is when your body sends you signs to let you know it is time for nourishment.

Emotional hunger is when we don’t eat because we are hungry, but because we are bored, stressed, sad, lonely, or anxious.

Research shows that about 75% of all our eating is emotionally driven.

Other causes of emotional eating include:

Dieting

Situational stressors

Seasonal stressors

Several signs indicate a person might be prone to emotional eating, including:

Sudden, urgent cravings

Only craving certain foods, such as sweets or junk food

Overeating

Shame or guilt

Having unhealthy food on occasion isn’t harmful. Sometimes we need a piece of chocolate, candy, or a few potato chips to feel better. However, it can become a problem when it happens frequently, or it becomes your main coping mechanism.

There are many steps you can take to reduce or stop emotional eating, including:

Changing your diet to be healthier

Being mindful of what you’re eating

Avoiding letting yourself get too hungry

If you are dealing with emotional eating, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider, such as a mental health professional, for an assessment to help determine if you have an underlying medical issue or something else.

To learn more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s mental health services, schedule a virtual appointment, or speak with our intake coordinator, call (718) 670-5316 or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

National Bullying Prevention Month

Posted on October 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

October is observed as National Bullying Prevention Month. It is a time to acknowledge that bullying has devastating effects on children and families.

There are many forms of bullying. It can be verbal, physical, through social exclusion, or digital sources, such as email, text messages, or social media. Unlike mutual teasing or fighting, bullying occurs when one person or group of people is perceived as being more powerful than another and takes advantage of that power through repeated physical assaults, threats of harm, intimidation, or by purposely excluding a person from a valued social group.

Being bullied can severely affect a person’s self-image, social interactions, and school performance, leading to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well.

There are many steps you can take to prevent bullying, including:

Addressing bullying at school: educators and teachers can create a safe and supportive learning environment and a classroom culture of positivity, inclusivity, and respect.

Talking about bullying at home: parents and caregivers can talk with their children about their school and digital life, and the various roles children can play in bullying.

Supporting your community: mentors can model kindness, inclusivity, and respect.

Raising awareness: share information about bullying prevention, its impact, and resources for support on social media to educate your community.

Supporting anti-bullying organizations: contribute to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to bullying prevention and support for victims.

Organizing anti-bullying events: plan or participate in events, workshops, and seminars in your community that focus on bullying prevention and promote empathy.

Engaging in school programs: encourage schools to implement anti-bullying programs and provide resources for students, teachers, and parents.

Being an upstander: teach children and teenagers the importance of standing up for others and reporting bullying incidents when they occur.

Participating in bullying prevention allows you to join the fight against bullying and create a more inclusive and empathetic society.

Causes of an Enlarged Prostate

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition that causes the prostate to grow in size.

The prostate can become enlarged for several reasons, including:

The prostate increasing in size commonly occurs as men age

Prostatitis, resulting from an infection, an inflammatory process, irritation, or an injury

Prostate cancer

An enlarged prostate can cause symptoms that may bother you, such as:

Blocking the flow of urine

Bladder, urinary tract, or kidney problems

Other common symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:

Frequent or urgent need to pee

Peeing more often at night

Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts

Dribbling at the end of urination

Not being able to empty the bladder fully

Trouble starting to pee

There are several risk factors for an enlarged prostate, including:

Aging

Diabetes and heart disease

Family history

Lifestyle

To diagnose an enlarged prostate, a healthcare provider will start by asking questions about your symptoms, as well as performing a physical exam, which includes:

A digital rectal exam

Urine test

Blood test

After the physical exam, your healthcare provider may need other tests to help confirm an enlarged prostate diagnosis. These tests include:

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test

Urinary flow test

Postvoid residual volume test

24-hour voiding diary

If there is a more complex health problem, your healthcare provider may order more tests, such as:

A prostate biopsy

A transrectal ultrasound

Urodynamic and pressure flow studies

Cystoscopy

The best treatment for an enlarged prostate depends on the size of your prostate, how serious your symptoms are, your age, and your overall health.

Treatment options for an enlarged prostate include medicines, surgery, and procedures that involve smaller, fewer, or no cuts.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a medical condition that causes fear and anxiety when you are around people in social situations and causes an intense fear of being judged or watched by others. It typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or adults.

Like many other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely arises from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, which may include:

Inherited traits
Brain structure
Environment

Several factors increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

Family history
Negative experiences
Temperament
New social or work demands
Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to them

There are many signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder, including:

Emotional and behavioral symptoms
- Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively
- Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
- Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
- Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
- Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or having a shaky voice
- Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment
- Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention
- Intense fear or anxiety during social situations
- Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation
- Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation
Physical and physiological symptoms
- Blushing
- Fast heartbeat
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Trouble catching your breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Feeling that your mind has gone blank
- Muscle tension

People living with social anxiety may avoid social situations such as:

Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers
Dating, attending parties, or social gatherings
Going to work or school
Starting conversations or making eye contact
Eating or performing in front of others
Using a public restroom
Taking or making phone calls

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can change over time. They may flare up if you’re facing many changes, stresses, or demands in your life.

Although avoiding situations that produce anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if you don’t get treatment. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have a social anxiety disorder along with another physical or mental health disorder. They may determine a diagnosis based on the following:

A physical exam to help assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety
A discussion of your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations
A review of a list of situations to see if they make you anxious
Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety
Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association

Treatment depends on how much social anxiety disorder affects your ability to function in daily life. Treatments can include:

Psychotherapy (the most common treatment) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety
Medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or beta-blockers

If you or a loved one has social anxiety disorder, you can find out more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s mental health services or schedule a virtual appointment by calling (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

ALS

Posted on October 7, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as ALS, is a neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS causes ataxia, a loss of muscle control.

ALS is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it. The exact cause of the disease is unknown. However, a small number of cases, about 10%, are inherited. For the other cases, there isn’t a known cause.

The symptoms of ALS can vary from person to person. Symptoms depend on which nerve cells are affected. ALS typically begins with muscle weakness that gradually worsens over time. Symptoms might include:

Trouble walking or doing usual daily activities
Tripping and falling
Weakness in the legs, feet, or ankles
Hand weakness or clumsiness
Weakness associated with muscle cramps and twitching in the arms, shoulders, and tongue
Untimely crying, laughing, or yawning
Thinking or behavioral changes

ALS often starts in the hands, feet, arms, or legs, with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg. It then spreads to other parts of the body, causing muscles to get weaker as more nerve cells die. The disease eventually affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, chew, eat, swallow, and breathe. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this fatal disease.

There is generally no pain in the early stages of ALS. Pain is also not common in the later stages. ALS usually doesn’t affect bladder control. It also doesn’t affect the senses, including the ability to taste, smell, touch, and hear.

There are several risk factors for ALS, including:

Genetics
Age
Sex

Several environmental factors have been associated with an increased risk of ALS. They include:

Smoking
Environmental toxin exposure
Military service

ALS can cause several complications as the disease progresses, including:

Breathing problems
Speaking problems
Eating problems
Dementia

ALS can be hard to diagnose early because it can have similar symptoms to other diseases. Tests that can rule out other conditions or help diagnose the disease can include:

Electromyogram (EMG)
Nerve conduction study
MRI
Blood and urine tests
Spinal tap
Muscle biopsy
Nerve biopsy

Treatments for ALS can’t reverse the damage, but they can slow down the progression of symptoms. They can also prevent complications and make you more comfortable and independent.

You may need a team of healthcare providers and doctors trained in many areas to provide your care. This team will work together to prolong your survival and improve your quality of life. They will work to select the right treatment options for you. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain medications for treating ALS.

In addition to medication, there are many forms of therapy and forms of support available, including:

Breathing care
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Nutritional support
Psychological and social support

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with ALS, you can receive treatment from a neurologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486

ADHD Awareness Month

Posted on October 6, 2026 by Flushing Hospital

October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and celebrating the unique strengths that often come with a neurodivergent brain.

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.

Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they age, but some adults continue to have major symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. Adult ADHD symptoms include:

Impulsiveness
Disorganization and problems prioritizing
Poor time management skills
Problems focusing on a task
Trouble multitasking
Excessive activity or restlessness
Poor planning
Low frustration tolerance
Frequent mood swings
Problems following through and completing tasks
Hot temper
Trouble coping with stress

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Many adults with ADHD aren’t aware they have it.

The exact cause of ADHD is not clear, but research efforts continue. Factors that may be involved in the development of ADHD include:

Genetics
Environment
Problems during development

Factors that may increase the risk of ADHD may include:

You have blood relatives, such as a parent or sibling, with ADHD or another mental health disorder
Your mother smoked, drank alcohol, or used drugs during pregnancy
As a child, you were exposed to environmental toxins such as lead, found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings
You were born prematurely

Signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults can be difficult to spot. However, the core symptoms of ADHD start early in life, before the age of 12, continuing into adulthood, creating major problems.

There is no single test that can confirm an ADHD diagnosis. A diagnosis will likely include:

A physical exam
Questions about your current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and the history of your symptoms
ADHD rating scales or psychological tests

Standard treatments for ADHD in adults typically involve medication, education, skills training, and psychological counseling. A combination of these is often the most effective treatment, as they can help manage many symptoms of ADHD, but they won’t cure it.

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5562 to schedule an appointment.

Preparing for Cold and Flu Season

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

As we enter the fall season and approach winter, it is important to be proactive and take the proper steps to protect yourself and loved ones from seasonal illnesses.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season:

Getting vaccines, such as the flu shot, can help your body’s immune system recognize and defend against a variety of viruses before you get infected. They can also reduce symptom severity if you do fall ill.
Practicing good hygiene habits can help reduce your exposure to germs and viruses. Some good hygiene habits you can practice include:
- Washing your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the restroom
- Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, even if it is just seasonal allergies
- Wiping down commonly used surfaces in your home, such as door handles, toilets, faucets, remotes, and other areas you and your loved ones may touch regularly
- Avoiding sharing personal products and utensils with others
- Wearing a mask to help reduce your exposure to respiratory illnesses
- Limiting time in shared spaces, when you can, to help stop germs from spreading around your home
Taking care of yourself by protecting your immune system. Some ways you can protect your immune system include:
- Getting a good night’s rest can help strengthen your body and immune system against illnesses
- Adding vitamin-dense fruits and vegetables to your meals can help you maintain your energy and ward off viral and bacterial infections.
- Staying hydrated, which can help loosen mucus and increase blood flow
- Staying physically active can help your body build resistance and resilience against infectious diseases
- Taking time to relax and manage stress is important to keep your immune system running at full capacity.

If you do start to feel under the weather, it is important to take quick action to protect your health and prevent the spread of illness to others. By following these simple steps, you can recover more comfortably and help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Postpartum Depression and Psychosis

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Flushing Hospital

Postpartum refers to the time after childbirth. Postpartum mothers may experience mental health changes or challenges after giving birth, including mood disorders such as postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs after having a baby. It affects up to 15% of women, causing experiences of emotional highs and lows, frequent crying, fatigue, guilt, and anxiety. A postpartum mother may have trouble caring for their baby or themselves.

Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a mental health emergency that affects a postpartum mother’s sense of reality, causing hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, or other behavior changes. In severe cases, postpartum mothers with PPP may attempt to harm themselves or their newborn.

Postpartum depression is common. A mother who has just given birth may experience baby blues, which affects between 50% and 75% of women after delivery. Postpartum psychosis is rare, as experts estimate that it affects between 0.089 and 2.6 out of every 1,000 births. In the United States, that means it happens in 320 to 9,400 births each year.

A mother can experience postpartum depression for up to one year after their baby is born. However, this doesn’t mean that they will feel cured in one year.

Symptoms of postpartum depression can include:

Feeling sad, worthless, hopeless, or guilty

Worrying excessively or feeling on edge

Loss of interest in hobbies or things you once enjoyed

Changes in appetite or not eating

Loss of energy and motivation

Trouble sleeping or wanting to sleep all the time

Crying for no reason or excessively

Difficulty thinking or focusing

Thoughts of suicide or wishing you were dead

Lack of interest in your baby or feeling anxious around your baby

Thoughts of hurting your baby or feeling like you don’t want your baby

It is believed that hormonal changes are linked to postpartum depression; however, more research is needed to determine the link between the rapid drop in hormones after delivery and depression. The levels of estrogen and progesterone increase tenfold during pregnancy but drop sharply after delivery. When a mother is three days postpartum, levels of these hormones drop back to pre-pregnancy levels.

In addition to these chemical changes, the social and psychological changes associated with having a baby increase the risk of postpartum depression.

Experts don’t know why postpartum psychosis happens, but suspect it involves a combination of factors, including:

History of mental health conditions

Number of pregnancies

Family history of mental health conditions, especially PPP

Sleep deprivation

Hormone changes

Other medical conditions

Hallucinations and delusions are the two main symptoms of postpartum psychosis. However, there are several other common symptoms, including:

Mood changes, such as mania and hypomania or depression

Depersonalization

Disorganized thinking or behavior

Insomnia

Irritability of agitation

Thoughts of self-harm or harming others, especially their newborn

Researchers have organized the symptoms of PPP into three types: depressive, manic, and atypical/mixed.

The depressive subtype of PPP is the most common, making up about 41% of cases. It is also the most dangerous. Research shows that depressive symptoms and psychosis are almost always a factor in cases that involve self-harm or harm to a child, especially hallucinations or delusions that command a person to harm their child or themselves. The rate of harm to a child is about 4.5% with this subtype, about four or five times greater than with the other subtypes. The rate of dying by suicide is about 5%. Symptoms that are most likely experienced with this type include:

Anxiety or panic

Delusions and hallucinations

Depression

Feelings of guilt

Loss of appetite

Loss of enjoyment related to things they usually enjoy

Thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harming their child

The manic subtype is the next most common, affecting about 34% of cases. The risk of self-harm or harm to children is lower but still possible, happening in about 1% of cases. Symptoms can include:

Agitation or irritability

Disruptive or aggressive behavior

Talking more or faster than usual, or both

Needing less sleep

Delusions of greatness or importance, such as believing your child to be a holy or religious figure

The atypical/mixed subtype makes up to 25% of cases. This can mix the symptoms of manic and depressive subtypes. It can also involve symptoms in which a person seems much less aware, or completely unaware, of the world around them. Symptoms can include:

Disorganized speaking or behavior

Disorientation or confusion

Disturbance of consciousness

Hallucinations or delusions

Inappropriate comments, behaviors, or emotional displays

Catatonia or mutism

There isn’t a specific test that diagnoses postpartum depression. A healthcare provider will evaluate you at your postpartum visit, which may include discussing your health history, how you have felt since delivery, a physical exam, a pelvic exam, and lab tests. They may also perform a postpartum depression screening or ask a series of questions to assess if you have postpartum depression.

Postpartum psychosis can be diagnosed by a mental health provider, who can determine, either by observation or by what you describe, whether you have the condition or not. They may also perform physical and neurological exams and order blood, urine, or imaging tests.

Treatment for postpartum depression depends on the type and severity of symptoms. Treatment options include anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications, psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, and support group participation.

Treatment for postpartum psychosis may include medications to treat depression, anxiety, and psychosis. You may also be admitted to a treatment center for several days until you’re stable.

To learn more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.