DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF POSPARTUM DEPRESSION IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE - A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

The general objective of this study is to map the diagnostic and management strategies for postpartum depression (PPD) in primary health care within the scientific literature. A scoping review was conducted, resulting in the selection of 10 articles on this topic. The diagnosis of PPD commonly relies on specific scales such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), but research has detected significant operational shortcomings, represented by excessively rapid care, neglect of the mental health of postpartum women, and serious gaps in the training of health professionals. PPD is associated with factors such as socioeconomic vulnerability, a history of physical or psychological violence, as well as issues of lack of psychosocial support and poor relationships between postpartum women and their partners. The study concludes that a reformulation of the care provided to postpartum women with PPD is urgently needed, requiring investments in continuing health education, improvement of care protocols, and reinforcement of screening in routine obstetrics, as well as strengthening support networks for the well-being and mental health of postpartum women.