Postpartum Depression (PPD): A Case Study

Words: 1492

Pages: 6

Open Document

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of a common and increasing issue among women following the birth of a child, Postpartum Depression (PPD). This disorder will be discussed in terms of the behavioral features, characteristics that influence the onset of the disease, associated complications and consequences; methods of testing and the diagnosis process. In addition, prevention, treatment, and the recovery process associated with PPD is discussed.
Introduction
Among women of childbearing age depression has become one of the most disabling disorders, being second only to HIV/AIDS among women aged 15-44 around the world (Dennis, Heaman, &Vigod, 2012; Shapiro, Fraser & Séguin, 2012). Postpartum Depression (PPD) can be defined as clinical depression that occurs within the first year following the birth of a child, the impact which affects both the child and the family of an affected mother (Abbasi et al., 2013; Dennis el at., 2012). PPD can …show more content…
These symptoms are known to be normal reactions to the birth of a child, but when persisting for several weeks or months these can be the warning of underlying PPD. As this is true these common behavioral features associated with pre and postnatal periods cause many cases of PPD to go undetected. To meet the criteria of PPD, one must experience symptoms for at least 2 weeks and they must directly interfere with everyday life (Grace el at, 2004). Tearfulness, despondency, feelings of guilt, loss of appetite, suicidal ideation, sleep disturbances, feelings of inadequacy and inability to cope with infant, poor concentration and memory, fatigue and irritability are all prominent symptoms of PPD (Grace el at, 2004). Women who are affected by PPD see themselves as bad, inadequate, or unloving mothers (Grace el at,

Childbirth and Screening Tools Essay examples

The Effectiveness of Postpartum Depression Tools and Maternal Education Beyond the Blues: The Effectiveness of Postpartum Depression Tools and Maternal Education The birth of a baby can trigger a vast array of powerful emotions: from joy to fear and excitement to anxiety. But it can also result in something that most new mothers don’t expect – post partum depression (PPD). According to the American Psychological Association, (2014), PPD is a moderate to severe depression that may occur soon after…

Words 1772 - Pages 8

Postpartum Depression: A Case Study

Postpartum depression is considered to be a moderate to severe depression that may affect some women after childbirth. PPD usually occurs, within three months after a mother has given birth. However, postpartum depression symptoms can also appear up to a year later. According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 11 to 20% of women in the United States develop postpartum depression. On an average of 15%, that is about 600,000 women each year; counting live births alone (Postpartum, 2013)…

Words 804 - Pages 4

Post Partum Depression Essay

great difficulty, yet some women experience considerable complexity that may manifest itself as a postpartum psychiatric disorder. The blues "may be a normal reaction to the dramatic physiologic changes that occur after delivery" (Beck 41). Symptoms of the "baby blues" include unstable moods, weepiness, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, inability to concentrate, and feeling dependent on others. Postpartum blues doesn't usually require treatment - just good support and reassurance of the mother. However…

Words 1093 - Pages 5

Postpartum Depression In Nursing

Postpartum depression following the birth of a baby has a multitude of detrimental effects on the quality of life of both the mother and child over the course of their lifetimes. According to the American Psychiatric Association (2000), postpartum depression (PPD) is defined as “an onset of clinical depressive symptoms occurring within four weeks of giving birth and is often diagnosed when symptoms occur within twelve months of a child’s birth.” Many women often experience severe anxiety about being…

Words 1517 - Pages 7

Postpartum Depression: Comprehensive Assessment

Postpartum Depression Yuwelka Hernandez West Coast University Prof. Pitter 2/20/2017 Comprehensive Assessment Mrs. L.L is a 32 year old married white American female who had delivery a baby a two days ago, basically she is a postpartum patient at the maternity unit at the hospital. Her vital signs were all within the normal range. She has no major physical complications. Her Mental status it seems normal at times. Nurses are allowed to ask questions to identify any noticeable disability…

Words 1687 - Pages 7

Postpartum Depression Research Paper Outline

Analytical Outline: Postpartum Depression and Anger EQ: What are some of the most undermining problems in our society today in America? How can we address this problem and get closer to solving it? “Every time I had Rishav at the breast, I started to cry. I dreaded feeding him every two hours. I knew he was relying on me for food, but it was hurting me and he wasn’t getting enough, and it just felt like too much” (Pearson). The experiences of mothers who have postpartum depression let us see into the…

Words 1467 - Pages 6