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- Title
Birth Trauma: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder After Childbirth.
- Authors
Zimmerman, Grace Helen
- Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed after childbirth is also known as birth trauma. Studies reveal that as many as 6% of women experience this mental illness after childbirth. Previous traumatic experiences including sexual abuse, depression, and an operative delivery have been identified as risk factors for the development of PTSD. The proper diagnosis and treatment of PTSD is vital not only for the mother but also for the relationship she has with her family, partner, and infant. Signs and symptoms of this disorder vary from physical pain to depression and suicidal thoughts. In order for a diagnosis to be made by a provider, these signs and symptoms must correspond to the American Psychiatric Association (2000) criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Women's health providers should screen all their postpartum patients for PTSD, particularly if the birth involved unexpected medical interventions or if the woman expresses any signs of difficulties coping with her childbirth experience.
- Subjects
DIAGNOSIS of post-traumatic stress disorder; TREATMENT of post-traumatic stress disorder; CHILDBIRTH; PSYCHOLOGY of mothers; POST-traumatic stress disorder
- Publication
International Journal of Childbirth Education, 2013, Vol 28, Issue 3, p61
- ISSN
0887-8625
- Publication type
Article