Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology · 2008 · 163 citations · 36 references
MedicineObstetricsPsychiatryClinical PsychologyMaternal Mental HealthTrauma-related DisordersComorbidityMaternal StressPost-traumatic Stress DisorderPostpartum AssessmentPostpartum CareTrauma AssessmentBirth-related TraumaPerinatal Post-traumatic Stress SymptomsPerinatal Trauma ScreeningPost-traumatic Stress Disorder CarePostpartum Anxiety ScreeningPostpartum Mental Health ScreeningPostpartum Post-traumatic Stress DisorderTrauma Following Pregnancy Loss
BACKGROUND: An increasing body of research shows that a proportion of women experience significant symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following childbirth. AIMS AND METHOD: An international group of researchers, clinicians, and user-group representatives met in 2006 to discuss the research to date into PTSD following childbirth, issues and debates within the field, and recommendations for future research. This paper reports the content of four discussions on (1) prevalence and comorbidity, (2) screening and treatment, (3) diagnostic and conceptual issues, and (4) theoretical issues. CONCLUSIONS: Current knowledge from the perspectives of the researchers is summarized, dilemmas are articulated and recommendations for future research into PTSD following childbirth are made. In addition, methodological and conceptual issues are considered.
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