Post-partum depression is characterized as a depressive mood disorder occurring within the post-partum period (RNAO). Research has demonstrated that women are significantly more likely to be admitted into a psychiatric care facility within four weeks post-partum than any other period in her life, 12.5% of all admissions of women into psychiatric hospitals take place within the duration of the post-partum period (RNAO). The objective of this paper is to provide a current literary review of post-partum depression (PPD) and its significance, the role of a registered practical nurse in relation to PPD, as well as contribute my personal perspective on this health concern.
Discussion
The post-partum period is a vulnerable time where women are at an increased risk of mood disorders, as stated above it is a mood disorder that develops following the birth of a child (RNAO). PPD is a condition that occupies the middle ground between the common baby blues and post-partum psychosis (Harvard2011). A new mother affected by the baby blues will have an onset of feelings such as sadness, anxiety and irritability generally peaking by the fifth day post-partum and subsides gradually within two days following; post-partum psychosis is an uncommon condition affecting one to two out of every 1000 post-partum women, it is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical attention, the extent of the symptoms can vary from a fluctuating mood state to delusions, and hallucinations. (Harvard2011). These episodes can occur as early as 48 hours after delivery, the majority of the episodes occur within the first two weeks post-partum (RNAO).
Statistics and Diagnosing PPD
In a meta-analysis of 59 studies conducted it was shown that approximately...
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...symptoms in new parents is that it does focus on the somatic symptoms of depression such as fatigue, decrease in appetite and energy and other symptoms that are common in new parents. (RNAO)The administration of the EPDS scale can occur anytime in the post-partum period, which is outlined as birth to 12 months, new moms and dads are encouraged to take the self evaluation tool in comfort and privacy to encourage accurate results. (RNAO) The nurses role is to educate the client on the use of the EPDS scale, as well as be knowledgeable in interpretation of the results. A score resulting in numerical values greater than twelve represents the likeliness of depressive symptoms or an indication for onset of depressive symptoms in the postpartum period, a result greater than ten indicates a need of immediate assessment of suicidal ideation, self harm or harm to others(RNAO)
Today postpartum psychosis is known to be a serious psychiatric crisis that affects one to two women per thousand in the first few weeks following childbirth. Women tend to experience visual, aural, and olfactory delusions and hallucinations that enables a risk of self-harm,
Knowing the symptoms of postpartum depression is critical for a young mother's discovering that she may have the depress...
A Woman's Struggle Captured in The Yellow Wallpaper Pregnancy and childbirth are very emotional times in a woman's life and many women suffer from the "baby blues." The innocent nickname for postpartum depression is deceptive because it down plays the severity of this condition. Although she was not formally diagnosed with postpartum depression, Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1860-1935) developed a severe depression after the birth of her only child (Kennedy et. al. 424).
Overall the PHQ-9 has been shown to have a positive effect on health outcomes by aiding clinicians in detection, diagnosing and monitoring depression with a consistent reliable tool. The scope of advanced practice nursing has increased over the last decade and mental health has become a common reason to see a healthcare professional. Nurse practitioners can feel confident in using this tool as an adjunct to their clinical assessment skills.
Pregnancies are often correlated with the assumption that it will bring happiness to the household and ignite feelings of love between the couple. What remains invisible is how the new responsibilities of caring and communicating with the baby affects the mother; and thus, many women experience a temporary clinical depression after giving birth which is called postpartum depression (commonly known as postnatal depression) (Aktaş & Terzioğlu, 2013).
Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s story, The Yellow Wallpaper, portrays the life and mind of a woman suffering from post-partum depression in the late eighteenth century. Gilman uses setting to strengthen the impact of her story by allowing the distant country mansion symbolize the loneliness of her narrator, Jane. Gilman also uses flat characters to enhance the depth of Jane’s thoughts; however, Gilman’s use of narrative technique impacts her story the most. In The Yellow Wallpaper, Charlotte Perkins Gilman uses interior monologue to add impact to Jane’s progression into insanity, to add insight into the relationships in the story, and to increase the depth of Jane’s connection with the yellow wallpaper it self.
Sutherland (2013) indicates ongoing support of the staff until the change is considered complete and they are comfortable with the implementation. According to Sutherland (2013), “Once completed and fully operational, an evaluation and summary of problems encountered, successes realized, and challenges encountered throughout the project should be done, for future reference” (para.15). The refreeze stage will take time and various data will be accumulated to evaluate whether the change was effective in screening for PPD. The data will consist on the success of mothers using the screening tool within the year, how many mothers were followed up by healthcare providers, and the number of postpartum mothers that had PPD. The refreeze stage is intended to assess if the PPD protocol implemented has positive results in the prevention and early treatment of PPD. With implementing the change theory model, having a plan for all three stages is crucial for the change to be sustained. The APN will be able to use the change theory model in building a foundation to screen for PPD in the outpatient
What would you do if your wife or your relative had postpartum depression after giving birth to her child? Would you try to help her by talking to her, or by taking her to a psychologist, or would you lock her in a house where she has no one to talk to and doesn’t get any professional help? Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs within three months following childbirth and symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, marked illogical thought, thinking of suicide, and fear of hurting the baby (Dictionary of Psychology 551). Recent research shows that postpartum depression affects 10 percent of women in the months following the birth of a child (Depression Statistics: Women Fact Information).
Postpartum depression is indeed a major psychological disorder that can affect the relationship between mother and baby. At this time, the cause of postpartum depression is unidentified, although several factors experienced during pregnancy can contribute to this disorder. Fluctuating hormone levels have been traditionally blamed for the onset of postpartum depression. Jennifer Marie Camp (2013), a registered nurse with a personal history of postpartum depression, states in the Intentional Journal of Childbirth Education that “current research demonstrates that PPD may be a compilation of numerous stressors encountered by the family, including biochemical, genetic, psychosocial factors and everyday life stress” (Camp, 2013, p. 1). A previous history of depression, depression during pregnancy, financial difficulties, a dif...
From mild to severe knowing of conditions and their specific symptoms is the most straightforward way to diagnose the problem areas. The types of depression cover major, melancholia, psychotic, antenatal and postnatal, bipolar disorder, cyclothymic disorder, dysthymic disorder, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Major depression involves low mood and/or loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities (“Types of depression”). Melancholia, a severe form of depression where many of the physical symptoms of depression are present. One of the major changes is that the person starts to move more slowly. They are also more likely to have a depressed mood that is characterised by complete loss of pleasure in everything, or almost everything (“Types of depression”). Psychotic depression, can lose touch with reality and experience psychosis. This can involve hallucinations or delusions such as believing they are bad or evil, or that they 're being watched or followed. They can also be paranoid, feeling as though everyone is against them or that they are the cause of illness or bad events occurring around them (“Types of depression”). Antenatal and postnatal depression affects women during pregnancy and in the year following childbirth. The causes of depression at this time can be complex and are often the result of a combination of factors (“Types of depression”). Bipolar disorder used to be
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a period of depression that follows childbirth and lasts more than two weeks. It is experienced by up to 15% of women in the first three postpartum months (Camp, 2013). PPD is well represented in all ages, races, and cultures. The causes of PPD are currently unknown. There are many factors that place patients at a higher risk of developing PPD. These factors include history of PPD, depression during pregnancy, family strains, anxiety, and lack of support.
...al medical condition such as hypothyroidism. The six type of depression is the seasonal affective disorder (SAD), in this disorder people are afflicted by depression during different seasons or times of the year. Furthermore the seventh type of depression is the postpartum depression which is an unusual type of depression that occurs in women within approximately one week to six months after labor. The eighth form of depression is called substance- induced mood disorder depression may begin or precipitated by overdose of substances such as medications, toxins, drugs, and alcohol. The ninth and last form of depression is the premenstrual disorder, this is a bizarre variety of depression affecting a low percentage of menstruating women, it is a periodic condition in which women may feel down and exasperated for one or two weeks before their menstrual period each month.
After giving birth, women will have hormonal oscillations (Rosequist). In the meanwhile, their bodies are getting back to their normal state, however if that “blues” does not go away, it can evolve in a deep depression. As she recalls, saying: “And yet I cannot be with him, it make me so nervous”(Gilman), it is obvious that Post-Partum depression is the cause of her poor attachment with the child; the mother can be hazardous to the baby; mood swing occur, and in extremes circumstances, about 1 in 1,000, it can bring psychotic indications (Hilts). If this condition if left untreated, it can cause serious psychological and physical damages. Treatment would include anti-depressants and therapy. This can also trigger other types of mental
If the 'baby blues' persist, depression can escalate to dangerous levels, influencing some women to experience psychosis and--in rare and tragic cases--to kill their offspring. Feature - "The Feature" Psychology Today, Nov.-Dec. 2002: 60+. Psychology Collection. Web.
My mother was diagnosed with postpartum depression (PPD), also referred to as postnatal depression. This is a type of clinical depression which can affect women after childbirth. The cause of PPD is not well understood but hormonal changes, genetics, and major life event have been hypothesized as potential causes. Maternal depression has been shown to influence mothers’ interaction with her child, therefore the doctor thought it was necessary for further treatment. Many women recover with treatment such as a support group, counseling, or