Postpartum depression.

Date of Original Release: February 1, 2004

Term of Approval: 1 Year * Credit Expires: February 1, 2005

Estimated Time for Completion: 1 Hour

The following section was designed for physicians in all specialties, especially those in primary care. The Southern Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians. This CME activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Essentials. The Southern Medical Association designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 Category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the activity. The CME Topic is a CME activity developed and administered by the Southern Medical Association's Department of Education. To obtain Category 1 credit, follow the instructions at the end of the section.

Purpose and Objectives

Postpartum depression is a clinical term that refers to a major depressive episode temporally associated with childbirth. It affects 10 to 20% of women in the United States within the first six months after delivery, and more than half of all women who develop this condition continue to suffer a year later. Since patients with postpartum depression frequently seek help from their primary care physicians as opposed to mental health professionals, risk factors should be understood and treatment should be initiated when the diagnosis is made. After reading the following article, physicians will be better able to recognize the risk factors, as well as understand the consequences, the detection barriers, and the treatment options associated with postpartum depression.

Disclosure

In publishing this section in Southern Medical Journal, the Southern Medical Association recognizes educational need of physicians in all specialties, especially those in primary care, for current information regarding postpartum depression. In this section, authors may have included discussions about drug interventions, whether approved or unapproved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, it is incumbent on physicians reading this section to be aware of these factors in interpreting the contents and evaluating recommendations. Moreover, views of authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Southern Medical Association. Every effort has been made to encourage the author to disclose any commercial relationships or personal benefit that may be associated with this section. If the author disclosed a relationship, it is indicated below. This disclosure in no way implies that the information presented is biased or of lesser quality, but allows participants to make informed judgments regarding program content.

Disclaimer

The primary purpose of this section in the Journal is education. Information presented and techniques discussed are intended to inform physicians of medical knowledge, clinical procedures, and experiences of physicians willing to share such information with colleagues. It is recognized that a diversity of professional opinions exists in the contemporary practice of medicine that influences the selection of methods and procedures. The views and approaches of authors are offered solely for educational purposes. The Southern Medical Association disclaims any and all liability for injury or other damages to any individual reading this section and for all claims that may result from the use of techniques and procedures presented in it.

CPT Emily C. Clay, MD

MAJ Dean A. Seehusen, MD

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