The nurse's role in postpartum depression assessment, education and referral for women and their support system

Abstract

One of the most common complications for mothers after childbirth is postpartum depression (PPD). This illness can occur in women who have given birth, who have miscarried or who have had a stillbirth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2010) indicate that PPD affects 1 in 8 women. These statistics are disturbing especially when 51 % of women may not be willing to seek treatment for PPD (Beck & Gable, 2001 ). Therefore, the number of women who are experiencing PPD is of national concern.

The literature reveals that there is not a standard or protocol for the assessment of PPD symptoms, education delivery, or referral and treatment. With an absence of a standard or protocol, this devastating disorder will continue to go undiagnosed in thousands of women affecting not only their wellbeing but the wellbeing of their families.

Nurses are in an optimal position to help prevent and identify women suffering from PPD. Establishing the nurse's role in assessing, educating and referring women and families suffering from PPD will assist in reducing the prevalence of this illness and identifying afflicted women for early intervention. Implementing a standard of practice in PPD assessment, education, and referral will assist healthcare providers in achieving the Healthy People 2010 objective of reducing mental illness and complications due to pregnancy.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2010

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Ladores, Sigrid

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

College

College of Nursing

Degree Program

Nursing

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Nursing;Nursing -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022447

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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