Postpartum Depression: Prompt Detection and Treatment Prevents Life-Threatening Consequences

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a dynamic mental disorder that is found in many new mothers. Although postpartum depression is a common disease with many severe symptoms, its diagnosis is often missed. The purpose of this paper is to inform nurses on how to assess, identify, and treat women who are either at risk for postpartum depression, or currently suffering from the disease. Qualitative and quantitative methodology was used to analyze a case study of a woman who suffered from PPD. The findings regarding the etiology and manifestations as described in the nursing research literature were validated in the case study. Nurses should provide education to pregnant and postpartum women regarding the manifestations and time-line of PPD. A timely diagnosis of PPD is vital to prevent life-threatening outcomes.