Essay On Postpartum Depression

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The Effects of Education on Postpartum Depression Outcomes: A Literature Review 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. The biggest issue effecting PPD outcomes is that patients are often unaware of signs and symptoms of PPD so they do not seek timely medical care (Camp, 2013). Common signs and symptoms of PPD are similar to depressive disorders. Patients may experience a few of the symptoms from exhaustion of childbirth and having a newborn. Bringing a new life into the world can bring out both good feelings and ones of uncertainty and fear (Camp, 2013). It becomes concerning when the symptoms last longer than 2 weeks and change in frequency, duration or intensity. Early identification is key in the treatment of PPD. Many families may feel ashamed or embarrassed by their feelings and want to conceal them. This is dangerous because PPD can involve thoughts of harm or neglect to the baby. These thoughts can be prevented with early detection from warning signs. Mothers that experience PPD are often at a higher risk for suicide due to negative thoughts and feelings that are untreated. PPD has been treated with cognitive therapies, anti-depressants, and psychotherapy, but a large aspect of aid when bringing home a newborn while experiencing PPD is support. Education before the birth of th... ... middle of paper ... ...roups at three months postpartum. The control group received usual postpartum care. The experimental group was asked about the usefulness of the information provided at the conclusion of the study. 91% said that the information was very helpful to them and their families, as well as useful in identifying support people (Heh & Yu, 2002). The researchers hypothesis was supported in that the EPDS scores of the experimental group would be lower than those of the control group at three months postpartum. EPDS scores were analyzed using t-tests to compare the changes at 3 months post partum. In the experimental group out of only 14 out of 35 scored over a 10 on the EPDS, compared to the control group where 24 out of 35 scored over a 10 (p< 0.001). Therefore, it can be concluded that informational support significantly reduces the mean score of the EPDS (Heh & Yu, 2002).

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