Treating Postnatal Depression

A Psychological Approach for Health Care Practitioners. By Prof Jeannette Milgrom, Prof Paul Martin and Dr Lisa Negri (1999). Available in Italian translation (2003).

This book provides an understanding of depression following childbirth which draws together current theories and a synthesis of key research with a framework for intervention, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy. It provides a novel way of thinking about postnatal depression including the effect on the infant, and a treatment program is based on this model.

The clinical programs and interventions outlined have been found to be effective at reducing postnatal depression and are based on research at Austin Healthwhich has involved a large screening and treatment trial of postnatal depression in Australia, involving 4,000 women.

It also draws on the experiences of the associated 'Infant Clinic', Department of Clinical and Health Psychology which was founded by Professor Milgrom, when research revealed that no specialized help was available in Victoria for women who suffered from postnatal depression at an important and vulnerable time of their lives. "It is important that health services screen all new mothers for postnatal depression, to reduce the number of cases that go unidentified and untreated", said Professor Milgrom.

Treatment is aimed at developing coping skills in women to:


  • Reduce the symptoms of postnatal depression
  • Improve maternal functioning in terms of self-esteem, assertiveness and coping
  • Address marital and partner difficulties which often arise
  • Deal with parent-infant difficulties that may exist
  • Facilitate the use and development of existing social networks.


The authors have reviewed current knowledge on postnatal depression, with guidelines for best practice in a variety of approaches to treatment and prevention.

 

Included is a detailed manual of a tried and tested 10-week treatment program 'The Getting Ahead of Postnatal Depression Program' for maternal depression, together with materials and resources that a busy clinician might need to implement this program. Similar modules include treatment for father and couple issues, and a program for treating the parent-infant relationship (H.U.G.S.).

 

The book is not just a text for professionals it is a hands on manual and represents a significant achievement in this field. Treating Postnatal Depression is be a valuable resource for:

  • clinical psychologists
  • counsellors
  • psychiatrists
  • nurses
  • health visitors
  • midwives
  • and other professionals who need to understand and deal with the emotional problems of mothers and babies



Reviews


"Parents and professionals will welcome this scholarly and humane book from Melbourne, which will enhance so visibly the welfare of women and their families." Foreword, John Cox, Keele University, Royal College of Psychiatrists.

"A very readable book which presents an excellent overview of this important topic, and allows the authors to share their wealth of clinical experience in the clinical management of depressed mothers." Professor Peter Lewinsohn, University of Oregon.

"This book is a very timely and accessible approach for health care workers who treat women with postnatal depression. Medical interventions alone are rarely adequate in the management of this disorder; an understanding of the psychological issues is essential, and this comprehensive manual which deals with how to approach the complexities of the disorder, will aid workers significantly and ultimately, benefit those who are suffering." Professor Anne Buist, University of Melbourne, Austin Health.


Price: $80.00

How to Order:


Please make cheque payable to the 'AHMRF Parent-Infant Research Institute' and forward with your name, address and contact details to:


Ms. Barbara Frazer
Department of Clinical & Health Psychology
PO Box 5444 Heidelberg West
Victoria, Australia
3081