| Description |
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a debilitating disorder affecting approximately 13% of women in the first year following delivery of a child (O'Hara & Swain, 1996). It can persist for long periods of time (Goodman, 2004) and have adverse effects on partners (Areias, Kumar, Barros, & Figueredo, 1996a, 1996b; Goodman, 2004) as well as negative effects on the emotional and cognitive development of infants and children (Beck, 1995; Coghill, Caplan, Cogill, Alexandra, & Robson, 1986; Gross, Conrad, Fogg, & Garvey, 1995; Milgrom, Westley, & Gernmill, 2004), including insecure attachment patterns (Murray & Cooper, 1997; Teti, Gelfand, Messinger, & Isabella, 1995). Extensive literature has been published on PPD and can be categorized into four content areas: knowledge of the disorder, screening, diagnosis, and treatment (Logsdon, Wisner, & Shanahan, 2007). While it is important that women's mental health care providers know best treatment options and how to develop appropriate plans of care for women with PPD, this paper will focus primarily on prevention measures that can be implemented by practicing clinicians and expecting mothers during pregnancy. Through a thorough review of the published literature examining PPD prevention interventions, this paper will conclude with clinical recommendations that can be implemented by an Advanced Practice Nurse based on published evidence. |
