a. Identify the appropriate screening tool for Natalie to
complete during her first visit and discuss why the
selected tool is appropriate for the client.
The appropriate screening tool for Natalie is Edinburgh Postnatal Depression
Scale
(EPDS) because of her history of a stillborn child combined with her current
symptoms.
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a set of 10 screening
questions
that can indicate whether a parent has symptoms that are common in women
with
depression and anxiety during pregnancy and in the year following the birth of a
child
("Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS)," 2023). This screening will assist
in uncovering any other possible symptoms. The higher the score the more
likely
medication or psychotherapy will be required.
b. Natalie is diagnosed with peripartum depression.
Identify the appropriate treatment for Natalie and
discuss why the selected treatment is appropriate
for the client.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be very
effective for perinatal women across the spectrum from mild to
severe depression (McDonald & Alhusen, 2022). An antidepressant,
for treatment of depression and anxiety, would also be a possible
adjunct therapy in moderate to severe cases (Hirst & Zink, 2019).
c.Natalie has concerns about the stigma associated with
seeking mental health care. Discuss at least two (2)
strategies the PMHNP can use to address these
, concerns.
Childbirth is considered a highly celebrated “natural” event and
anything outside the so called “norm” has the potential of being
stigmatizing. The commonest maternal mental health problems are
mood disorders, with more than half experiencing “baby blues” and one
in ten women experiencing full blown depression ("Stigma and the
language of mental health in mothers," 2019).
1. Providing judgment-free, respectful, and compassionate safe
space where seeking mental health care becomes
normalized. This would include reassurance and
education on perinatal mental health and how
treatable these conditions are.
2. Education. Educating Natalie on perinatal depression and
all the benefits of treatment. Also encourage joining a
local support group.
d. Examine the resources available at Postpartum Support
InternationalLinks to an external site.. Identify at least
two (2) specific resources from the website that are
appropriate for Natalie and discuss why the selected
resources are appropriate for the client.
1. PSI provides online support groups for women and men
who are suffering from perinatal mental health issues.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are common in men
(Seedat, 2020). These support groups are conducted
using a peer-to-peer support
model. Natalie can be connected with a support group in her
area and attend a meeting online. She will be able to share her
experiences and receive peer support and be reassured that she is
not the only one. This will help her to know that she is not alone
while providing community.
complete during her first visit and discuss why the
selected tool is appropriate for the client.
The appropriate screening tool for Natalie is Edinburgh Postnatal Depression
Scale
(EPDS) because of her history of a stillborn child combined with her current
symptoms.
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a set of 10 screening
questions
that can indicate whether a parent has symptoms that are common in women
with
depression and anxiety during pregnancy and in the year following the birth of a
child
("Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS)," 2023). This screening will assist
in uncovering any other possible symptoms. The higher the score the more
likely
medication or psychotherapy will be required.
b. Natalie is diagnosed with peripartum depression.
Identify the appropriate treatment for Natalie and
discuss why the selected treatment is appropriate
for the client.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be very
effective for perinatal women across the spectrum from mild to
severe depression (McDonald & Alhusen, 2022). An antidepressant,
for treatment of depression and anxiety, would also be a possible
adjunct therapy in moderate to severe cases (Hirst & Zink, 2019).
c.Natalie has concerns about the stigma associated with
seeking mental health care. Discuss at least two (2)
strategies the PMHNP can use to address these
, concerns.
Childbirth is considered a highly celebrated “natural” event and
anything outside the so called “norm” has the potential of being
stigmatizing. The commonest maternal mental health problems are
mood disorders, with more than half experiencing “baby blues” and one
in ten women experiencing full blown depression ("Stigma and the
language of mental health in mothers," 2019).
1. Providing judgment-free, respectful, and compassionate safe
space where seeking mental health care becomes
normalized. This would include reassurance and
education on perinatal mental health and how
treatable these conditions are.
2. Education. Educating Natalie on perinatal depression and
all the benefits of treatment. Also encourage joining a
local support group.
d. Examine the resources available at Postpartum Support
InternationalLinks to an external site.. Identify at least
two (2) specific resources from the website that are
appropriate for Natalie and discuss why the selected
resources are appropriate for the client.
1. PSI provides online support groups for women and men
who are suffering from perinatal mental health issues.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are common in men
(Seedat, 2020). These support groups are conducted
using a peer-to-peer support
model. Natalie can be connected with a support group in her
area and attend a meeting online. She will be able to share her
experiences and receive peer support and be reassured that she is
not the only one. This will help her to know that she is not alone
while providing community.
