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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

Identifying and treating postpartum depression

June Andrews Horowitz1, Janice H Goodman

  • 1Massachusetts General Institute of Health, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, USA.

Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing : JOGNN
|March 23, 2005
PubMed

Postpartum depression affects 10% to 20% of women in the United States and negatively influences maternal, infant, and family health. Assessment of risk factors and depression symptoms is needed to identify women at risk for postpartum depression for early referral and treatment. Individual and group psychotherapy have demonstrated efficacy as treatments, and some complementary/alternative therapies show promise. Treatment considerations include severity of depression, whether a mother is breastfeeding, and mother's preference. Nurses who work with childbearing women can advise depressed mothers regarding treatment options, make appropriate recommendations, provide timely and accessible referrals, and encourage engagement in treatment.

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