Postpartum Depression

1
Postpartum Depression

• NUR 113
• Summer Semester
• Debbie Hogan

2
Postpartum Psychologic Complications

• Mental health disorders in postpartum period have
  implications for mother, newborn, and entire
  family
• Interfere with attachment to newborn and family
  integration
• May threaten safety and well-being of mother,
  newborn, and other children

3
Postpartum Psychologic Complicationscontd

• Mood disorders
• 70 of women experience a mild depression or
  baby blues
• Some women have more serious depression
• Can eventually incapacitate them to point of
  being unable to care for themselves and their
  babies

4
Postpartum Psychologic Complicationscontd

• Postpartum depression without psychotic features
• Postpartum depression an intense and pervasive
  sadness with severe and labile mood swings
• Treatment options
• Antidepressants, anxiolytic agents, and
  electroconvulsive therapy
• Psychotherapy focuses fears and concerns of new
  responsibilities and roles monitoring for
  suicidal or homicidal thoughts

5
Postpartum Psychologic Complicationscontd

• Postpartum depression with psychotic features
• Postpartum psychosis syndrome characterized by
  depression, delusions, and thoughts of harming
  either infant or herself
• Psychiatric emergency may require psychiatric
  hospitalization
• Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers such as
  lithium are treatments of choice

6
Nursing Care Management

• Nursing care
• On postpartum unit
• In home and community
• Referrals
• Providing safety
• Psychiatric hospitalization
• Psychotropic medications
• Other treatments for postpartum depression