Psychological treatment of women with psychological complaints after pre-eclampsia
Description
Methods. From February 2004 through April 2007, 25/141 (18%) women with a history of PE, E and/or HELLP syndrome were referred to the medical psychologist. Obstetrical history, reason for referral to medical psychologist, medical psychological conclusion after intake, treatment and outcome were evaluated.
Results. Twenty-four women were reached for informed consent. Their referral was mainly for dysfunctional coping. A fifth (5/24) had posttraumatic stress disorder. Most women were Caucasian primiparous who delivered preterm by ceserean section of growth-restricted infants. Twenty-two women received therapy, one was referred to a medical social worker, one did not need therapy. The main interventions were psycho-education (n = 18), supportive techniques (n = 10), increasing autonomy techniques (n = 8) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (n = 7). Duration between PE and consultation of medical psychologist was significantly related to the number of sessions (p < 0.01, Pearson correlation = 0.609).
Conclusion. Psychological treatment in cases of psychological complaints increases coping possibilities in women after exposure to PE and timely recognition reduces the treatment duration.