The lived experience of postpartum depression in a psychiatric population.
OBJECTIVE
Studies have examined the quantitative causal factors of postpartum depression. However, the lived experience of postpartum depression has not been investigated.


METHODS
Using a psychophenomenological design, the investigators examined reports from seven clients with a psychiatric diagnosis of postpartum depression and the role life experiences played in their labor, delivery, and postpartum periods.


RESULTS
Phenomenological analysis indicated that the psychological and physiological effects of abuse interact to create a cognitive frame of reference similar to the experience of abuse.


CONCLUSIONS
The normal developmental event of childbearing contributes to the recall of abuse and sets the stage for postpartum depression.
Mason
Wendy A
WA
Tillanook Family Counseling Center.
Rice
Michael J
MJ
Records
Kathie
K
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003071:Cognition; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006240:Happiness; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000523:psychology; D008016:Life Change Events; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D009042:Motivation; D015205:Northwestern United States; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload