產後憂鬱症

Postpartum Depression

產後心理健康近年來成為產後照顧的重要課題。本文的目在簡介產後憂鬱症，並說明其評估、治療與照護。產後憂鬱症是屬於非精神病的重鬱症，產後1年的期間皆有可能發病，常於產後4-6週開始發作，憂鬱症狀達五種以上且持續時間超過兩週，改變產後婦女先前的日常生活功能。若不及時治療對母親、小孩及其家人的健康有嚴重的負面影響。與周產期婦女接觸最多的基層醫療人員應及早發現與預防，並協助治療與追蹤，以促進新成立家庭之健康。

Postpartum psychological health is an important issue in postpartum care. This article introduces postpartum depression and describes its assessment, treatment, and nursing care. Postpartum depression is a non-psychotic depression that often commences 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth. Postpartum depression requires the diagnosis of at least 5 depressive symptoms that last for a period of at least 2 weeks. Postpartum depression may occur within the first-year postpartum and, if not treated in a timely and appropriate manner, may adversely affect the health of the new mother, the child, and the family. Health professionals in regular contact with women during the perinatal period are encouraged to screen at-risk patients for postpartum depression and to assist postpartum-depressed patients adhere to prescribed treatment regimens to promote the health of the new family.