Winter Quarter Meeting #2 Recap: Postpartum PTSD
What is Postpartum PTSD (PP-PTSD)?
PTSD is defined by a recent traumatic occurrence, in which one's idea of themself and the world around them has been disturbed.
“The disorder and its severity are defined not only by the trauma, but also by the subjective reaction to the traumatic event"(Schwab et al).
⅓ of mothers report their delivery as psychologically traumatic (Dekel et al)
PP-PTSD: PTSD in new mothers postpartum as a result of traumatic births
Risk Factors
"PP-PTSD is the outcome of the interplay between pre-birth vulnerability, risk factors in birth, and factors after birth" (Dekel et al)
the strongest predictor of PP-PTSD = a subjective negative delivery experience
a mother's negative perception of the delivery experience is related to: formation of a negative appraisal of the event their ability to cope
additional risk factors: young age, low income, primiparity, multiparity
Incidence
A minimum of 5 out of 100 women will experience PP-PTSD
Given that 4 million babies are born in the US each year, that means about 200,000 mothers are at risk of developing PP-PTSD each year (Dekel et al)
Even though PP-PTSD is not as prevalent as PPD or PPA, is still a real concern for expecting mothers
Impact of PP-PTSD
impairs maternal bonding as a result: higher levels of social-emotional problems in the child even at 2 years of age
less likely to seek medical care avoidance
leads to strained relationships with people in the mother's life (like her partner)
adverse effects on infant health neglect of child's basic needs
in severe cases: death of the child and/or the mother
Treatment
trauma-centered psychotherapy to help mothers process the traumatic birthing experience
antidepressants (SSRIs) and anti-anxiety medications
Prevention
are currently lacking the proper screening tools for early detection
need to be able to adequately prepare and educate mothers on "possible complications during pregnancy and delivery"
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