Differentiation and clinical implications of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis

Shelley Doucet1, Cindy-Lee Dennis, Nicole Letourneau

  • 1University of New Brunswick, Department of Nursing, P.O. Box 5050, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada. shelley.doucet@unb.ca

Postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are serious mood disorders encountered by nurses working in a variety of settings. Postpartum depression refers to a nonpsychotic depressive episode, while postpartum psychosis refers to a manic or affective psychotic episode linked temporally with childbirth. The nursing profession plays a crucial role in the early identification and treatment of these postpartum mood disorders. This article explains the classification, clinical presentation, epidemiology, management, and long-term outcomes of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.

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