A program design to screen and treat parents suffering from postpartum depression

Postpartum depression affects approximately 10 to 15 percent of women and 5 percent of men following the birth of a child. Research has indicated the incidence of this disorder may in fact be greater. One longitudinal study found that the incidence of postpartum depression in women increased to 53.7 percent at one year postpartum (Areias, Kumar, Barros, & Figueiredo, 1996). The disorder of postpartum depression impairs the functioning of the entire family unit, not just the afflicted individual.;Historically, the medical model focuses on the physical well being of the mother during the prenatal and postpartum period. In this treatment paradigm the father of the baby plays a supportive role and his physical and psychological needs are not attended to. Yet the literature reveals that he himself is at risk for the development of postpartum depression. The purpose of this dissertation was to create a program that includes both the mother and father in the screening and treatment of postpartum depression.;This program is designed to be implemented in an existing obstetric office. It is cost-effective and utilizes the present staff, with the addition of one masters or doctoral level therapist. Patients and third-party payers will provide the funding.;The treatment modalities will include individual, couple, family, and group therapies. The treatment program will incorporate a cognitive-behavioral approach with a psycho-educational component.;The expectant couple relies on the obstetrician to provide the care they need for their transition into parenthood. In this venue the incorporation of the psychological and physical needs of the couple would provide a more comprehensive treatment approach. A program developed for an obstetrician's office to provide education, early diagnosis, and intervention within that office setting would improve the quality of care for the expectant couple.