2002
International International Biennial Scientific Meeting
PTSD AFTER CHILDBIRTH: THE CONSUMER, CLINICIAN, AND RESEARCHER'S PERSPECTIVES
Sara Weeks*, Sue Watson** and Cheryl Beck*** (Symposium Convenor)
* Psychiatrist,
Mensana Clinic, Auckland New Zealand
**
Co-ordinator of Tabs (Trauma and Birth
Stress) community support group; Childbirth Educator TABS, ptsdtabs@ihug.co.nz
***
School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
Cheryl.Beck@Uconn.edu
Recent research
has shown that PTSD stands alongside Post Natal Depression (PND) and Psychosis
as one of the potential unwanted and unexpected legacies of childbearing.
Although its origins in this context are very different from PTSD arising
for example from combat scenarios, the same basic set of triggers, reactions
and attitudes is evident.
The outcomes
and effects on the mothers' quality of life differ demonstrably from those
of PND, although PTSD can lead for that. However, recovery is not likely
to be spontaneous as is often the case for PND, and hence PTSD requires
active treatment by whatever option is deemed most suitable. Moreover,
because the circumstances giving rise to PTSD are often standard medical
procedure, physicians must consciously set aside the values and standards
of their own discipline when treating sufferers.
PTSD is an
under recognised disorder which, even when recognised is often under treated.
Occurring in the context of childbirth, it may masquerade as other entities
including depression, anxiety, somatisation, substance abuse, eating disorders
and even psychosis or litigation. In order to minimise morbidity, both
psychiatric, physical and interpersonal, it is necessary to recognise
this disorder, apply preventative measures where possible, and minimise
the distress caused by early and effective intervention.
As well as
hearing from the women and families who have had personal experience of
PTSD, this symposium will take participants through risk factors, prevention
strategies, treatment options and some of the biochemical theories about
the disorder.
A Clinician's Perspective
Sara
Weeks
Although
childbirth is a normal part of life, the experience itself is out of the
ordinary for those who experience it. It may involve death, or near death,
as well as birth and usually involves intense physical and emotional sensations,
often with feelings of helplessness and lack of control. Such an event
fulfills the definition of trauma and thus can lead to symptoms of post
traumatic stress disorder. The importance of correct diagnosis and specific
treatment will be discussed along with a brief outline of risk factors,
preventive strategies and possible complications.
The Voice of the Consumer
Sue
Watson
Trauma
And Birth Stress (TABS), education and support group from New Zealand
will talk about their continuing journey to have PTSD both acknowledged
and treated as a valid post natal mental health conditions for mothers.
In NZ 165 mothers have come together to at last talk about and have their
trauma symptoms acknowledged and to go forward to appropriate treatment.
TABS, is a consumer group, has presented to well over 2500 people since
its formation inn May 1998. The core group of 5 are active within the
health sector. Two now teaching ante natal classes, one with a focus on
multiple birth education, another member is in her final year as a midwifery
student and another is a GP who is currently compiling many of the stories
from TABS mothers into a book, focussing on PTSD and childbirth. Today
Sue Watson will present some of the stories of mothers and Rob Bialostocki
will speak (via video presentation) from a fathers perspective.
Researcher perspective:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After Childbirth: The Voices of the Mothers
Cheryl
Beck
This abstract
is the third paper in the PTSD after childbirth workshop. A qualitative
study was conducted with 15 mothers who have experienced post-traumatic
stress disorder after the birth of their infants. Specifically, a phenomenological
research design was used. The sample of mothers who participated in this
study live in New Zealand and were recruited through the help of TABS.
These mothers shared their stories of birth trauma and the resulting PTSD
via email with the researcher. Some of the women also sent their journals
and diaries concerning their experiences with PTSD that they had written
to the researcher. Colaizzi's method of data analysis was used to identify
the themes that repeatedly appeared in the mothers' stories. The focus
of this paper will be the in depth description of these themes. Implications
of these findings for clinical practice and the education of not only
health care professionals but also the public will be addressed.
