Maternal Mental Health, First 1000 days, Childhood Flashcards
(134 cards)
When can maternal mental health issues arise?
Antenatal - during pregnancy
Postpartum - after birth up until one year
What are the presentations of Maternal mental health disorders?
Continuation of existing mental disorder
Relapse in pre-existing condition
New onset mental disorder
Baby blues
Why are doctors particularly concerned about mental health during pregnancy?
- Women may cease medications = relapse
- Stressful time - physical complications, anxiety, social difficulties (family violence more prevalent)
- Effects of substance abuse during pregnancy
When do the Baby Blues occur?
3rd to 5th day after giving birth
Only lasts few hours/days
Persisting beyond 2 weeks = PPD
How can the mother be feeling when having Baby Blues?
Overwhelmed, tearful, exhausted, irritable
Still good times
Not a disorder, transient
How can the Baby Blues be overcome?
Good support, rest and nutrition, the Baby Blues can be resolved naturally.
When does Post Partum Depression occur?
Occurs within 4 weeks of birth.
What percentage of women experience PPD?
10-16% of women
Why can PPD be missed?
Dismissed as hormonal imbalance or baby blues
What is the leading cause of maternal death in NZ and other Western countries?
Suicide
What are the risk factors for PPD?
- Previous history of Depression or PPD
- Discontinuation of medications by a woman with a history of depression
- Childhood abuse
- Negative attitude towards the pregnancy
- Lack of social support/social isolation/domestic violence
- Having twins/triplets
- Losing a baby (stillbirth, miscarriage)
- Pregnancy & birth complications - risk for PTSD
How do you detect PPD?
Screen all women who have had a baby. Be aware of risk factors.
Consultation with patient and/or family, significant other - ask depression screening questions, feelings towards baby, social situation & support.
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale - used during pregnancy/postpartum. 10 item, self administered. Easy to score.
PHQ-9 (screening tool)
List the impacts of untreated PPD on mother’s interactions with infant.
Decrease in affectionate behaviour
Decreased responsiveness to infant cues
** Effects more likely if PPD is chronic/severe and untreated.
List the impacts of untreated PPD on childhood development.
Increased behaviour problems when young
Poorer educational outcomes
Diminished social competence
Increased rates of mental disorder & risky behaviour in childhood and adolescence.
What are the statistics of Postpartum Psychosis (PPP)?
1-2 episodes per 1000 births
When does PPP occur?
Clinically rapid onset, mostly in first 2 weeks postpartum.
What are the tragic outcomes associated with the severe disorder of PPP?
Suicide and infanticide
What causes PPP?
It can be a recurrence of pre-existing bipolar disorder or schizophrenia or may be new onset
Who has a higher risk for developing PPP?
Women who have a history of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
What is the treatment for PPP?
Inpatient stay and medication (antipsychotic and mood stabilizer)
What are the symptoms of PPP?
- Extreme agitation
- Paranoia, confusion, disorientation
- Inability to sleep/eat
- Losing touch with reality
- Delusions
- Hallucinations (tactile, auditory, visual)
- Disorganized behaviour
- Psychomotor agitation
What are delusions?
Fixed, false beliefs or thoughts that are unlikely to be true e.g. baby is possessed by the devil.
What is a warning sign for PPP?
Extreme sleep disruption
What do you need to consider regarding treatment of breastfeeding mothers?
Careful risk/benefit assessment. Must weigh risk of treatment against risk of untreated illness to mother and infant.