POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Proposal on

“Postpartum Depression”

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Outline of the Study

This study will be based on the topic “Postpartum Depression”. The first chapter will provide an introduction to the topic including the purpose and significance of the study. The second chapter will present a review of relevant literature, highlighting the previous research carried out in this field. The third chapter will cover the methodology for this study. The analysis of findings and discussion will be presented in the fourth chapter. The fifth chapter will conclude the study, providing implications and useful recommendations for further research.

Background of the research

Depression, as a mental health disorder, is defined as persistent feelings of sadness that interfere with daily functioning. Depression is a continuum of mood disorders that include major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, psychotic depression, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder. A related disorder, biopolar disorder, includes extreme mood swings that cycle from depressive to maniac states. Females outnumber males in major depressive disorders at a ratio of 2:1 during a woman's childbearing years. However, both prior to puberty and after menopause, rates of depressive disorders between males and females are similar. (Stern, 1995)

At least 13 percent of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression, with higher rates occurring among women of color, single mothers, adolescent mothers, and low-income mothers. Some degree of stress due to the adjustment to motherhood is normal, with “baby blues” estimated to occur in 50-80 percent of women during the first two weeks of motherhood. However, postpartum depression occurs when feelings of sadness, irritability, fatigue, and worthlessness overwhelm new mothers. Post-partum depression is more severe and longer lasting than the “baby blues.” It typically begins about one month postpartum and can last up to a year. Postpartum depression is often undiagnosed and untreated, even though effective treatment is available. (Compas, 1998)

Problem Statement

Increase in rates in depression is found, however, during the postpartum period. However, hormonal changes alone are unlikely to cause postpartum depression, since rates within this population are consistently higher among women with a personal and/or family history of depressive episodes. There is no single cause for depression, and risk factors can include genetics—specifically having a first-degree relative with depression; sex hormones; and life stress and trauma, such as sexual abuse, assault, domestic violence, and physical illness. Infertility, miscarriage, and stillbirth are also associated with depression for women as traumatic and uncontrollable life events, as well as through the increased stress of medical intervention—especially in the case of infertility.

Aims and Objectives

The main aims and objectives of this study will be:

To explore the concept of Postpartum Depression

To analyze different causes of Postpartum Depression

To find out the relationship between the postpartum depression, domestic violence and sexual abuse, and

To figure out the cognitive behavioral therapy of women in the postpartum period.

Research Question

What is the relationship between postpartum depression, domestic violence and sexual abuse?

How cognitive behavioral therapy can help women in the postpartum period?

Ethical Concern

One profound moral issue that action researchers, like other scientists, cannot evade is the use they make of ...