Förlossningsdepression i Sverige. En studie om barnavårdscentralers arbete med nyblivna föräldrar.

Post-Partum Depression, PPD, is a condition where emerging parents experience depressive symptoms. PPD is expressed through mood swings, anxiety, tiredness and an unwanted desire to harm one’s offspring. PPD may have a harmful effect on the psychological and cognitive development of children whose parents are affected. In Sweden, public childcare centres are responsible for detecting symptoms for PPD, and to remit clients with symptoms of PPD to appropriate treatment. PPD is diagnosed with women exclusively. New research shows that emerging fathers suffer from Paternal Post-Partum Depression, P-PPD. The aim of this study was to examine if Swedish childcare centres in the three regions Norrland, Svealand and Götaland, have the relevant knowledge and appropriate working tools to identify Post-Partum Depression regardless of gender. The method chosen to do so was a telephone survey, with a target group of 51 professionals at child-care centres in Sweden. The hypothesis for the study was that the level of knowledge and implementation of working tools are not equal regarding PPD and P-PPD. The survey was analysed through a comparison of working tools to detect PPD and P-PPD, of proposed continued treatment for mothers and fathers with symptoms of postpartum depression and of experiences of detecting postpartum depression in mothers and fathers. Chi2-tests established significant statistical differences in working methods throughout the country. The hypothesis was confirmed after the result was analysed