Graduate Research Papers

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Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

In the United States our society has a perception that after a mother has given birth she should be overjoyed and the happiest she has ever been in her life as well as in love with her baby the instant the first breath is taken. As all parents know, having a child is a stressful, life-changing event (Brewer, 2001). No one wants to believe a mother is not happy or may be unable to care for the new baby much, less that she might be able to harm the child (Brewer, 2001). Unfortunately, the reality is many women suffer from postpartum depression (PPD). For those who go undiagnosed or untreated it can have very tragic consequences including maternal suicide and infanticide.

Postpartum depression is finally being recognized as a worldwide public health problem. PPD can affect any woman. It is found on every continent, in every country, culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic level, age, and educational level (Gjerdingen, Crow, Miner, & Center, 2009a; Hanusa, Scholle, Haskett, Spadaro, & Wisner, 2008; Pearlstein, Howard, Salisbury, & Zlotnick, 2009). At least 50% of women who are diagnosed with PPD suffer from symptoms that last at least six months or longer (Beck, 2002). One of the most important factors affecting duration of PPD is delay in diagnosis (Beck, 2002). The longer a woman goes untreated for PPD the longer her illness will last 1 (Beck, 2002). Therefore, every woman should be screened for postpartum depression during their pregnancy and several times throughout the year after giving birth (Andrews-Fike, 1999; Brewer, 2001).

This chapter of the literature review will discuss the three different types of postpartum mood disorders including onset, symptoms, and risk factors associated with each one. Secondly, the impact PPD can have on each member of the entire family will be described. Finally, Chapter I will conclude with the purpose of this research which is to review and synthesize the available body of research literature pertaining to the lack of universal screening for postpartum depression in women during pregnancy and after childbirth. Specifically, the study was designed to describe the individual and population health consequences of untreated PPD. Barriers to identification and treatment will also be discussed.

Year of Submission

2009

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

First Advisor

Diane Depken

Comments

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Date Original

2009

Object Description

1 PDF file (61 pages)

Language

en

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