Postnatal Depression: Prevalence, Mothers' Perspectives, and Treatments

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This article presents an overview of research on postnatal depression conducted with postnatal women only. Research spanning three areas is reviewed, namely, prevalence, mothers' experiences ,and treatments. The review shows prevalence rates varying from 4.4% to 73.7%, with the most recent systematic review suggesting a rate of 13%, indicating a serious clinical issue for nurses providing postnatal care to mothers. Mothers' experiences of living with postnatal depression exemplify such feelings as loneliness, anxiety, hopelessness, and loss of control at a time when expectations of joyousness are anticipated. Results of research on treatment options show limited success with antidepressant medications, some success with psychotherapeutic options, and the importance of social support for mothers with postnatal depression. Comparisons of studies are made from methodological perspectives, drawing on their strengths and limitations. Overall, this review highlights the high prevalence rates of postnatal depression, negative feelings exemplified by mothers' living with this condition, and the limited success of treatment options available to mothers. Postnatal depression is a significant clinical issue for nurses providing postnatal care for mothers and is underassessed, misunderstood, and very often poorly treated.

Section snippets

Prevalence of postnatal depression

The combined period prevalence of postnatal depression and minor depressive disorders is estimated to be between 5% and 25% (Affonso et al., 2000, Beck & Gable, 2001a, Beck & Gable, 2001b, Brown & Lumley, 2000, Cryan et al., 2001, Leung et al., 2005, Leung et al., 2005, Yonkers et al., 2001). This is a wide variation in prevalence rates, indicating that there are inherent difficulties in estimating them. An acknowledged difficulty is that of defining postnatal depression. Postnatal depression,

Mothers' perspectives of postnatal depression

In order for health care professionals to provide a person-centered approach to mothers with postnatal depression, it is essential that they acquire a fundamental understanding of the issues that concern mothers during this time. There is a paucity of international research exploring postnatal depression from the perspective of mothers, and that existing is qualitative in nature. The following review spans the period from 1990 to date and illustrates what it is like for mothers living with

Treatment of postnatal depression

Treatments for postnatal depression vary depending on severity and mothers' preferences. Treatments include antidepressants, psychotherapy, support, or a combination of these.

Conclusion

Postnatal depression and general depression are similarly defined within the classifications of the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association. However, research shows that postnatal depression peaks between 6 and 12 weeks postdelivery (Cooper & Murray, 1998, Goodman, 2004, Kumar & Robson, 1984, O'Hara & Swain, 1996), considerably longer than that accounted for within the classifications. Internationally, prevalence rates of postnatal depression vary both within and

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