Course overview
The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of mental health and mental illness in order to respond appropriately to the needs of women and their families during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Understanding mental health and specific mental illness (mood and anxiety) including their management, ie. psychotherapy, psycho-pharmacology, attachment and lifespan developmental theories; introduction to psychological disorders in pregnancy and childbirth; psychological trauma and childbirth; postnatal distress; postnatal depression; postnatal psychosis; grief and loss; psychosocial aspects of perinatal heath; impact of abuse on the childbirth experience; drug addiction and childbirth; domestic violence; psychosocial aspects of teenage pregnancy; pre-existing mental illness and childbirth.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply knowledge of community/mental health in the context of contemporary Australian society.
- Explain the relevance of lifespan development and attachment theories to health professional practice in the perinatal period.
- Analyse common mental illness and psychological disorders occurring during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
- Identify perinatal mental health issues and their appropriate assessment, response and referral.
- Demonstrate appropriate responses to the psychological needs of women and their families during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
- Discuss ethical and legal practices as they relate to caring for women with a mental illness during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
- Understand the counselling role of health professionals following traumatic birth.
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Group 1
Class number 31662
Section TU01
Size 25
Available 16
Class number 31663
Section WS01
Size 25
Available 16
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