Differentiation and clinical implications of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis

J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2009 May-Jun;38(3):269-79. doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2009.01019.x.

Abstract

Postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are serious mood disorders encountered by nurses working in a variety of settings. Postpartum depression refers to a nonpsychotic depressive episode, while postpartum psychosis refers to a manic or affective psychotic episode linked temporally with childbirth. The nursing profession plays a crucial role in the early identification and treatment of these postpartum mood disorders. This article explains the classification, clinical presentation, epidemiology, management, and long-term outcomes of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depression, Postpartum / diagnosis*
  • Depression, Postpartum / epidemiology
  • Depression, Postpartum / nursing*
  • Depression, Postpartum / prevention & control
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maternal-Child Nursing / methods*
  • Nursing Assessment / methods
  • Prevalence
  • Psychotic Disorders / classification
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Psychotic Disorders / epidemiology
  • Psychotic Disorders / nursing*
  • Psychotic Disorders / prevention & control
  • Puerperal Disorders / classification
  • Puerperal Disorders / diagnosis
  • Puerperal Disorders / epidemiology
  • Puerperal Disorders / nursing
  • Puerperal Disorders / prevention & control
  • Risk Factors