March 1st marked the debut of MedEdPPD.org's premiere First Thursday teleconference, "Screening Adolescents for Postpartum Depression (PPD)," presented by Cindy Logsdon, DNS, ARNP. She has recently participated in 7 studies examining postpartum depression in adolescents. These studies are outlined in Dr. Logsdon's slide presentation and can be viewed by clicking here.
Experiencing motherhood during the already tumultuous teenage years comes with additional challenges that can include, but are not limited to, strained relationships with their own mothers and unreliable partners. Adolescent mothers juggle the tasks of motherhood, school, and work. However, they are not emancipated by law and are not able to make their own healthcare decisions. These various circumstances may be stressful for an adult, but consider how emotionally disabling it is for an adolescent. They are more vulnerable to PPD.
Screening for PPD is paramount. Postpartum adolescents who exhibit symptoms of depression need to be evaluated, but many adolescents are embarrassed to admit that they might suffer from a mental health disorders. They often feel that there is stigma associated with mental illness and treatment.
Postpartum adolescents are an at risk population because of their age and instability. Screening and treatment for depression is particularly significant to this demographic in preventing negative consequences for 2 generations: the adolescent and her child.
To help you best serve your patients, MedEdPPD.com has commandeered a Tool Box for physicians to print out for their patients, providing them with everything from a glossary of terms to what to ask your mental health provider. An additional printout that is available is our patient brochure, available in PDF format in both English and Spanish.
MedEdPPD.org appreciates all questions, comments, and suggestions for content. Please contact us at support@medispin.com.
Antenatal thyroid correlates of postpartum depression.
Pedersen CA, Johnson JL, Silva S, Bunevicius R, Meltzer-Brody S, Hamer RM, Leserman J.
Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2007 Mar 6; [Epub ahead of print]
This study further examined the relationship between thyroid status during late pregnancy and antenatal and postpartum depression scores.
How Does Postpartum Depression Affect Breastfeeding?
McCarter-Spaulding D, Horowitz JA.
MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs. 2007 Jan-Feb;32(1):10-7.
This study examined patterns of exclusive breastfeeding, combination feeding, and exclusive bottle-feeding among a sample of women identified at 2-4 weeks postpartum with positive PPD symptoms.
Treating postpartum depression with hypnosis: addressing specific symptoms presented by the client.
Yexley MJ.
Am J Clin Hypn. 2007 Jan;49(3):219-23.
The present article is a report of a single case in which hypnotherapy was successfully utilized in the treatment of Postpartum Depression by attending to the specific problems presented by the client and developing client skills to resolve existing problems and prevent their recurrence.
InTheNews
Postpartum depression in spotlight
telegram.com, March 5, 2007
This article profiles Kelly, a young mother dealing with postpartum depression. It details the social stigma of postpartum depression and how through education and awareness that stigma has gradually decreased.
Don't be afraid to talk about the baby blues
theglobeandmail.com, March 13, 2007
Here we see the various types of postpartum mood disorders and focus on the baby blues.
Out Of Darkness: Postpartum Depression Attacked With Unusual Treatment
NBC5.com, February 26, 2007
A mother of 5 suffering from postpartum depression turned to a local clinic and an unusual, controversial treatment. While the mother says the treatment worked, other experts doubt the research behind it.
8th Annual Women's Health Research Day
When: April 4
Where: Chapel Hill, NC Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Perinatal Depression
When: April 5
Where: www.MedEdPPD.org
Workshop on Perinatal Practice Strategies
When: April 13 – April 15
Where: Scottsdale, AZ
10th National School Social Work Conference
When: April 18 – April 27
Where: Lake Buena Vista, FL
North American Women’s Health Care Forum
When: April 20 – April 21
Where: Chicago, IL
Obstetric Nursing
When: April 25 – April 28
Where: New Orleans, LA
MedEdResources
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is a membership organization dedicated to the advancement of women's health through education, practice, research, and advocacy.
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