Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating Postpartum Blues, Depression and Psychosis.

摘要: With recent media attention and a growing awareness in popular culture, the appropriate treatment for postpartum depression has taken center stage as prevalent women‟s health issue. There is little agreement on definition, existence of depression. Contributing to this factor lack research that exists support which method counseling best treats The intent paper suggest with increased counselor involvement can be lessened, decreasing length severity symptoms without use anti-depressants Challenges Diagnosing Treating Postpartum Blues, Depression Psychosis Despite many studies throughout late 20 century, (PPD) remained an understudied phenomenon. When Texas housewife Andrea Yates murdered her five children 2001, PPD returned forefront attention. had history psychosis; she was eventually found not guilty by reason insanity (Doherty, 2007). Moreover, when actress Brooke Shields (2005a) published memoir detailing PPD, fellow actor Tom Cruise publicly condemned antidepressants. fired back defending choice became vocal advocate women seeking help (2005b). These two incidents serve important reminders issue, warrants further study. Prichard (1835) reveals mood changes after childbirth have been observed hundreds years, yet condition adequately addressed profession. Albright (1993) states at least 12% suffer from some serious form PPD. At issue: what point do become critical or dangerous life mother child? affects significant number new mothers negative impact families. shown impair mother-infant bonding (Moehler, Brunner, Wiebel, Reck, & Resh, 2006), family relationships social functioning (Mauthner, 1998), even infant development (Ramchandani, Stein, Evans, O‟Connor, 2005; Whitaker, Orzol, Kahn, 2006). disruptive and/or child. Many factors contribute difficulty diagnosing treating problem. Diagnostic Statistical Manual Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000) classifies major single episode recurrent onset. are considered same those disorders non women. For instance, DSM formally characterizes any depressive, manic, mixed occurs postpartum. As such, diagnosis determined one experiences nine listed four