It is well known that childbirth poses many threats to women’s health; it alters not only the physiological integrity but impacts the psychosocial aspect of it as well. Postpartum depression is one of the most frequently occurring mood disorders after childbirth. According to Horowitz & Goodman (2005), postpartum depression affects up to 20% of women in the United States, which is approximately 500,000 of women each year. While it is a major health issue that negatively impacts not only a woman but poses negative consequences for the entire family as a unit, this condition often remains untreated. Although evidence shows there are many treatment methods that are proven to be effective in postpartum depression in the long-term, psychotherapy
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Stuart (2012) builds a strong argument that is the best validated treatment and should be considered as the first choice for PPD. Furthermore, the author argues that vast majority of women prefer counseling over medication especially when breastfeeding due to concerns of infant exposure to the medication as there is limited research on the long-term effects of antidepressant therapy on children. Even though the main goal of IPT is the symptom relief, the big part of the therapy sessions is to teach women communication skills that will assist them in establishing healthy relationships, enhancing social support, and helping them to transition into their role of motherhood with increased confidence. As Stuart (2012) argues that women suffering from postpartum depression often perceive lack of support from their partners and family which often leads to impaired relationships between women and their spouses. With this said IPT not only helps to improve the symptoms of depression but enhances the interpersonal relationships during postpartum period. IPT is a time-limited therapy typically lasting 12 to 16 weeks, and it is known that depression poses a great risk for relapse according to Stuart (2012) it is important to emphasize the need for maintenance therapy sessions and follow up is essential to achieve desirable …show more content…
Despite the limitations of some of the studies the finding were congruent and illustrated that IPT was found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of PPD. Furthermore, one study used group interpersonal therapy and the results showed that 58% of participants achieved full remission and 29% achieved partial remission, leaving 11% of participates that showed no
Stuart (2012) builds a strong argument that is the best validated treatment and should be considered as the first choice for PPD. Furthermore, the author argues that vast majority of women prefer counseling over medication especially when breastfeeding due to concerns of infant exposure to the medication as there is limited research on the long-term effects of antidepressant therapy on children. Even though the main goal of IPT is the symptom relief, the big part of the therapy sessions is to teach women communication skills that will assist them in establishing healthy relationships, enhancing social support, and helping them to transition into their role of motherhood with increased confidence. As Stuart (2012) argues that women suffering from postpartum depression often perceive lack of support from their partners and family which often leads to impaired relationships between women and their spouses. With this said IPT not only helps to improve the symptoms of depression but enhances the interpersonal relationships during postpartum period. IPT is a time-limited therapy typically lasting 12 to 16 weeks, and it is known that depression poses a great risk for relapse according to Stuart (2012) it is important to emphasize the need for maintenance therapy sessions and follow up is essential to achieve desirable …show more content…
Despite the limitations of some of the studies the finding were congruent and illustrated that IPT was found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of PPD. Furthermore, one study used group interpersonal therapy and the results showed that 58% of participants achieved full remission and 29% achieved partial remission, leaving 11% of participates that showed no