Use of Psychosocial Occupational Therapy in Managing Postpartum Depression and its Impact on Quality of Life – A Case Study

Abstract

Introduction: During pregnancy and postpartum period many females experience a variety of overwhelming emotions such as anticipation, excitement, happiness, fulfilment, as well as anxiety, frustration, confusion, or sadness/guilt. Various psychiatric disorders are highly vulnerable during the postpartum period. Postpartum Depression is said to be a non-psychotic depression affecting approximately 10 – 15% of women and the most common complication of childbearing. It was found out that women with postpartum depression have an impact on Quality of Life. Psychosocial Occupational Therapy helps clients to engage in certain activities, aims to awaken interest, develop concentration, restore coordination, revive hope, inspire confidence, give satisfaction through personal achievements.

Objectives: To find out the use of Psychosocial Occupational Therapy in managing Postpartum Depression and to analyze the impact of managing Postpartum Depression using Psychosocial Occupational Therapy on Quality of Life

Methods: The single case study was conducted during 2021 at the Department of Occupational Therapy, Sri Ramachandra Hospital. Clients who met the selection criteria were allotted into the intervention by Purposive sampling. Baseline assessment was done using Case Record Performa, Six Item Cognitive Impairment Test, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and DSM -5 criteria. One subject was recruited for this study. The client participated in 4 weeks intervention program – Psychosocial Occupational Therapy. The Outcome Measures were Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and WHO-QOL-Bref Scale.

Results: There is a significant improvement in the post intervention score from the pre intervention score after four weeks of intervention using Psychosocial Occupational Therapy in Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and WHO-QOL-Bref Scale.

Conclusions: Psychosocial Occupational Therapy is effective in managing Postpartum Depression and has shown significant improvement in Quality of Life.