Post Partum depression

Running Head : POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Postpartum depression : The mother , child and partner involvement

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Postpartum depression : The mother , child and partner involvement

Traditionally , postpartum psychiatric diss have been divided into three categories depending on increasing degrees of severity : postpartum blues , postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis . Postpartum Depression (PPD ) is thought to affect between 4 and 28 of all mothers Despite its prevalence , it is not well understood . It is the duration severity and complexity of the symptoms that distinguishes PPD from the

baby blues and postpartum psychosis ADDIN EN .CITE RommAviva Jill RommNatural Health After Birth : The Complete Guide to Postpartum Wellness2002Inne r Traditions / Bear Company (Romm , 2002 . PPD can affect any woman , no matter what her age , economic status , or cultural background . Symptoms include madness , irritability , apathy , and intense anxiety , crying spells , worthlessness , and inability to make decisions or to concentrate . It can begin anytime during the first few days , weeks , or months after delivery . The specific cause is unknown but fluctuating hormone levels , exhaustion and stress may trigger . PPD , if left untreated could lead to postpartum psychosis characterized by delusions and hallucinations they may become suicidal or have thoughts of hurting their baby

There are a lot of possible causes of PPD which include : doubt about the pregnancy , lack of support system , breast-feeding problems , sharp drop in estrogen and progesterone levels after childbirth , unresolved issues and any other stressful events . Signs and symptoms that may indicate that postpartum blues are actually PPD include : worsening insomnia changes in appetite (poor intake , poor interaction with the neonate views the neonate as a burden or problem , suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming the neonate , feelings of isolation from social contacts and support systems , inability to care for self or neonate due to lack of energy or desire ADDIN EN .CITE SpringhouseSpringhouseMaternal-Neonatal Nursing Made Incredibly Easy !2007Lippinc ott Williams Wilkins (Springhouse 2007 . A range of risk factors have been identified with the development of PPD , including a history of depression , difficult infant temperament , marital or partner relationship problems , child care stress , low self-esteem and poor social support

Postpartum depression is very treatable with counseling and /or antidepressant medications that are safe for nursing mothers ADDIN EN .CITE Riley20064 446Laura RileyPregnancy : The Ultimate Week-By-Week Pregnancy Guide2006Meredit h Books (Riley , 2006

The child of a PPD mother

Researchers have extended examination of PPD to include samples from various cultures and countries around the world . PPD disrupts maternal-infant interactions and children 's cognitive and emotional development . Withdrawn , disengaged , and intrusive maternal behavior patterns may result in fussy , aggressive , less affectionate and less responsive infants . Reduced vocalization and slower neurological growth and motor skills development have been documented among infants of depressed mothers . In response to growing incidence of PPD 's negative effect on infant development , investigators have begun to focus evaluating interventions to promote improved mother-infant relationships . Nurse investigators are also involved in testing better tools for early detection of PPD . The Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS ) is a promising...