CE: Postpartum Depression: A Nurse's Guide
1Barbara Marie Alba is the director of nursing for maternal-child health services at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City. Contact author: baa9015@nyp.org . The author and planners have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. A podcast with the author is available at www.ajnonline.com .
Despite extensive research, the etiology behind postpartum depression (PPD) remains a mystery. Experts have theorized about various potential risk factors, including hormonal fluctuations, genetics, prior history of depression, low socioeconomic status, adolescent pregnancy, and certain personality traits. This article provides foundational information about PPD, reviewing the risk factors for and the consequences of this mood disorder. Postpartum blues and postpartum psychosis are briefly discussed for context, although they differ from PPD. Screening and treatment options are explained, and nursing implications for practice are presented.
Despite extensive research, the etiology behind postpartum depression (PPD) remains a mystery. Experts have theorized about various potential risk factors, including hormonal fluctuations, genetics, prior history of depression, low socioeconomic status, adolescent pregnancy, and certain personality traits. This article provides foundational information about PPD, reviewing the risk factors for and the consequences of this mood disorder. Postpartum blues and postpartum psychosis are briefly discussed for context, although they differ from PPD. Screening and treatment options are explained, and nursing implications for practice are presented.
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