Postpartum Depression

Research Paper # 100514

Medical and Health > Nursing
Medical and Health > Public Health Issues
Psychology > Disorders

A review of two studies about postpartum depression and the implications for nursing practice.

1,474 words () | 2 sources | APA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper illuminates the very high prevalence of postpartum depression amongst women in their late 20s and 30s. The studies in this paper show that this type of depression can be predicted from risk factors and symptoms that are observed during pregnancy. It explains how screening is essential in saving the mother and her infant's life. The paper strongly asserts that screening will only be effective if the nurse has thorough knowledge of the risk factors for postpartum depression.

Outline:
Introduction
Details of Studies
Research Problem and Question
Hypothesis
Study Findings and Limitations
Study Two: Thoppil, et al. (2005).
Study Design
Research Problem
Findings and Limitations
Implications for Nursing Practice
Summary
Implications for Nursing Practice
Study Design

From the Paper:

"Postpartum depression is extremely common and the symptoms may be observed even in the first two weeks postpartum (Bloch, Rotenberg, Koren & Klein, 2006). Risk factors for the earliest symptoms include premenstrual dysphoric disorder, psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy, mood instability resulting from oral contraceptives, and mood instability at puberty. Other factors are hormonal changes that make women prone to the development of depressive symptoms, a past affective disorder or a family history of depression, and especially mood disturbances during the third trimester (Bloch, et al., 2006)."

Sample of Sources Used:

Bloch, M., N. Rotenberg, D. Koren & Klein, E. (2006). Risk factors for early postpartum depressive symptoms. General Hospital Psychiatry, 28 (1), 3
Thoppil, J., T. Riutcel, & Nalesnik, S. (2005). Early intervention for perinatal depression. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 192 (5), 1446-1448.