THE ROLE OF THE NURSE IN POSTPARTUM DEPRESSIONS

Abstract

Introduction

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a disease that affects 10-15% of women. Its main symptom is deep sadness with severe emotional lability, which appears within 4 weeks after childbirth. The PPD is not the same as baby blues or postpartum psychosis. Objectives

To describe appropriate nursing interventions for the prevention, detection and treatment of postpartum depression in women.

Methodology

A systematic review of the scientific literature published in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, CUIDEN and Enfispo databases.

Results

We have included 27 studies from the last 5 years.

Discussion

Several articles claim that, in order to prevent PPD, it is essential to consider some risk factors, to have support and to carry out an appropriate practice during childbirth, do exercise and encourage breastfeeding and mother/child interaction. The most reliable screening tool for detecting PPD is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and it is important to implement it in routine health checks. Others authors claim that psychological and psychosocial interventions are essential to treat DPP, but they also propose pharmacotherapy as another option.

Conclusions

The nurse’s role is vital in the prevention, detection and treatment of postpartum depression. It is necessary to continue researching on this issue in order to achieve the best possible evidence and to train professionals to apply these results to their medical practice.