Postpartum Depression

The purpose of this course is to allow nurses to detect postpartum depression using screening tools and a clinical assessment to intervene early and prevent the devastating consequences of the disorder. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:


1. Discuss the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD), including historical and transcultural perspectives.

2. Identify risk factors for PPD evident prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after birth.

3. Review the effects of biochemistry, such as serotonin, estrogen and progesterone, cortisol, and thyroid, on the development of PPD.

4. Describe the role of family history, stressful life events, and psychosocial factors in the etiology of depression.

5. List the emotional, physical, and cognitive symptoms of postpartum blues.

6. Discuss emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms of PPD.

7. Identify severe forms of postpartum disorders, focusing on postpartum psychosis and cases of infanticide.

8. Review the clinical assessment of PPD, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS).

9. List the effects of PPD on maternal bonding, mother-infant attachment, and a child's socioemotional and cognitive development.

10. Describe the potential long-term effects of PPD on children.

11. List maternal and familial complications of PPD, including marital conflict, suicide, and homicide.

12. Discuss self-care strategies for recovery, such as nourishment, sleep, rest and relaxation, exercise, and socializing.

13. Review the role of education in the diagnosis of and recovery from PPD.

14. Discuss the physiologic treatment of PPD with postpartum hormone treatments.

15. Specify pharmacologic treatment strategies, noting benefits, adverse reactions, and risks.

16. Discuss psychosocial interventions used in the treatment of PPD.

17. List strategies for preventing PPD, including screening, postpartum debriefing, companionship in the delivery room, psychotherapy, midwife continuity of care, and progesterone preventive treatment.


This 15-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.