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Why is PND so important?
It is estimated that about 10% of mothers
suffer Postnatal Depression beyond the severity of "Baby
Blues". Research suggests that Postnatal Depression is not
only unpleasant for the mother and her family, but it can
also have serious consequences for the well-being of her
baby.
Depression in pregnancy and the postnatal
period has therefore become a major concern of all health
care workers. Research has highlighted the benefits of early
intervention to alleviate distress and to reduce the short
and long-term consequences for mothers and their children.
Fortunately, this potentially serious condition can usually
be detected and treated by suitably trained health workers.
Where there is doubt or concern, mothers can be referred
to general practitioners and psychiatrists.
There is increased recognition of the importance
of addressing mental health problems as early as possible.
In the summary to the UK Department of Health's Women's
Mental Health Strategy (October 2003) it states:
"Perinatal mental ill health is a potentially
preventable cause of maternal mortality. Vulnerable mothers
can be identified at antenatal stage; early interventions
can be effective."
And referring to part 3 of the National
Service Framework (NSF) for children, young people and maternity
services, 2004 (which is to be implemented by NHS trusts
and local authorities over the next 10 years):
... health care
professionals must be "competent in identifying and
addressing mental health problems for women during or
after pregnancy and local perinatal psychiatric services
are available for women who need them"
More recently, emphasising the importance
of perinatal illness, NICE has delivered Postnatal Care
Guidlines (July 2006) and draft guidance for Antenatal and
Postnatal Mental Health (July 2006).
Many Primary Care Trusts are now addressing
Postnatal Depression in their Health Improvement Plans.
Improved maternal and child mental health are key objectives
of the SureStart programs.
Who's Presenting?
Sheelah Seeley is a health visitor and
counsellor, latterly research associate at the Winnicott
Research Unit, University of Reading. She has been running
courses in the detection and management of postnatal depression
for over 10 years, using a program devised from a study
conducted by Professors Lynne Murray and Peter Cooper at
the University of Cambridge. The outcomes of the original
course were published in the Health Visitor Journal in 1996.
Lynne Murray is Professor of Developmental
Psychology at the Winnicott Research Unit at the University
of Reading. She has extensive experience in the study of
the development of the mother-infant relationship and of
the impact of PND on mothers and their children, including
experience developing and evaluating interventions. She
is a past president of the Marcé Society, an
international multi-disciplinary society concerned with
mental health in the puerperium.
Peter Cooper is Professor of Psychopathology
at the Winnicott Research Unit at the University of Reading.
He has been researching the nature, epidemiology, course
and treatment of Postpartum Depression for more than two
decades.
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