The nurse is obtaining the history of a new mother who gave birth to her first child 3 months ago. Over the 3 months since the delivery, although the patient says she is happy her child is doing well, she says the majority of the time she feels negative and depressed about herself. This has progressively gotten worse over the past 3 months and for the last month, she cannot recall taking any pleasure at interacting with her child. She also feels constantly anxious that the child will develop a serious health problem and is not growing as she should. Which of the following statements is accurate regarding this new mother’s condition?

Question

The nurse is obtaining the history of a new mother who gave birth to her first child 3 months ago. Over the 3 months since the delivery, although the patient says she is happy her child is doing well, she says the majority of the time she feels negative and depressed about herself. This has progressively gotten worse over the past 3 months and for the last month, she cannot recall taking any pleasure at interacting with her child.  She also feels constantly anxious that the child will develop a serious health problem and is not growing as she should.  Which of the following statements is accurate regarding this new mother&rsquo;s condition?

Accepted Answer

There is an elevated risk for the development of a postpartum mood disorder in those mothers who have a family history of depression or mood disorder. Postpartum depression is characterized by the same symptoms seen in depression but involving and often focusing on the child.  There are expectant mothers who have an increased risk of developing a postpartum mood disorder, based on poor environment and social support, or on a family history of a mood disorder or depression.  There are many preventive steps that can be done to prevent postpartum mood disorders from even forming.  Mothers that are identified as high risk can be given antidepressants or mood stabilizers shortly before delivery to proactively prevent the development of a likely postpartum mood disorder.  Changes in or abnormalities of mood postpartum occur in an estimated 85% of new mothers, not only a small fraction.  Based on this frequency and the serious consequences for both mother and child, postpartum depression should be screen for repeatedly in the antepartum period and during the entire postpartum period.

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