Postpartum and Psychosis

Overview

This comprehensive presentation will provide an examination of postpartum psychosis, including the incidence, risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies, diagnosis, and common and uncommon symptoms. We will explore the treatment modalities and the recovery process as it relates to the birthing parent and their family. Legal and special considerations will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss the incidence of postpartum psychosis in the United States and the risk of recurrence of PPP in subsequent pregnancies.

2. Identify the barriers to proper diagnosis and potential to misdiagnosis individuals with postpartum psychosis.

3. Differentiate the symptoms of PPP with other perinatal mental health disorders.

4. Explore prodromal symptoms of PPP using the Davidson Conceptual Model of Prodromal Postpartum Psychosis Symptomatology

5. Explore both common and less common symptoms associated with PPP.

6. Discuss risks of suicide and infanticide in indivduals with PPP.

7. Examine treatment recommendations including intensive and outpatient treatment needs, medication management, therapy interventions, social support and family and individual psychoeducation.

8. Review the components of a patient and family safety plan.

9. Assess potential legal issues that may arise for the person with PPP.

10. Evaluate special considerations for the family experiencing PPP. Describe the instruction methodology: Lecture, video experiential learning, small group discussion, role playing, and case study learning.

Meet the Speaker

Michele Davidson, PhD, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C, CNM, CFN Dr. Michele Davidson is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, and forensic nurse. Dr. Davidson was a nurse educator for more than 20 years, and during that time, developed the Smith Island Community Health Program, the graduate forensic nursing certificate program, and briefly headed up the PhD Program. She is a best-selling author of over 35 maternal-newborn nursing and psychiatric textbooks, receiving the American Journal of Nursing Book Award in 2012 for her book, A Nurse’s Guide to Women’s Mental Health. She has published over 75 papers in peer reviewed journals and is a frequent speaker at international and national conferences.

Her own experience with postpartum psychosis (PPP) led Dr. Davidson to develop the Davidson Conceptual Model of Prodromal Postpartum Psychosis Symptomology to better understand risk factors for PPP. She was the coordinator for PPP with PSI for 12 years before accepting her board appointment, and is currently serving in a new role as the PPP Infanticide Coordinator. She founded Chesapeake Bay Psychiatry, a private practice located in Virginia that specializes in perinatal and women’s mental health and Smith Island Foundation, a non-profit organization providing health service screenings on Smith Island where she served as executive director. Dr. Davidson is an advocate for families with children with disabilities, providing consultation to multiple organizations and agencies.

Continuing Education Credits

4.5 contact hours will be earned by the following licensing boards:

• MN Board of Behavioral Health
• MN Board of Marriage and Family Therapy
• MN Board of Social Work
• MN Board Psychology
• This activity has been designed to meet the Minnesota Board of Nursing continuing education requirements. However, the nurse is responsible for determining whether this activity meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education.

***If you are licensed in another state, please review your CEU requirements regarding CEU apporval.

If you have any questions, please email them to Events@NystromCounseling.com