POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Eleni Papakonstantinou, Georgia Fasoi
Monday, July 1, 2019
Publication year:
2019
Authors:
- Papakonstantinou Eleni, RN, MSc(c), Postgraduate Program “Wound care and treatment”, University of West Attika
- Fasoi Georgia, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Technological Educational Institute of Athens, Athens, Greece
Pages: 157-169
Abstract:
The birth of a child is the most important moment for every woman in her life. However, in many cases feelings of joy that should be felt under normal conditions are overshadowed by other negative emotions, such as lack of mood, negative thoughts and irritability. All these symptoms are directly linked to postpartum depression, a disease that requires medical attention to be treated effectively. The purpose of the present study was to explore postpartum depression. Results: Hormonal and physical changes in a woman's body, and effort to adjust to the role of motherhood, can significantly affect her mental health leading to postpartum depression. Along with the woman, the new member of the family requires the adaptation of all other members, thus leading in complex problems which are often triggered by the social, economic and cultural conditions of the family environment. The treatment of postpartum depression combines medication administration, psychotherapy, and mother's encouragement and support of the home environment. Also important is the role of nurse who through her knowledge and experience may help women after child birth and provide them with appropriate advice to reduce the likelihood of postpartum depression or to treat it appropriately. Conclusions: Early recognition of signs and symptoms of postpartum depression as well as provision of detailed information to the mother and her family are important measures to reduce the incidence of this phenomenon.
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