Therapeutic Itineraries of Pregnant and Puerperous Women With Anxious and Depressive Symptoms, Up to One Year After Birth, in the Municipality of Chapecó – Sc

Abstract

The present work aims to identify the characteristics of women with anxious and/or depressive symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum, within one year after birth, and their therapeutic itineraries, in the municipality of Chapecó -SC, considering assistance at the Care Center Psychosocial (CAPS II) and at the Family Health Center (CSF) Jardim América in the municipality of Chapecó/SC. The research has a qualitative nature and was carried out using a descriptive and exploratory approach, based on interviews and the application of questionnaires with pregnant or postpartum women diagnosed with anxious and/or depressive symptoms, within one period of childbirth. Data collection was carried out between March and June 2022. The data was analyzed using the content analysis technique. The project was submitted to Chapecó City Hall and the UFFS Research Ethics Committee. Among the eight women interviewed, six (75%) had, at some point, been diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety prior to pregnancy. As a therapeutic trajectory, six of the eight women interviewed reported improvements in symptoms after using medication. Two (25%) of the participants reported receiving comfort through religious practices. One (12.5%) respondent received psychological support during treatment. All (100%) participants underwent prenatal care in Primary Health Care (ABS). Finally, the present study provided a better understanding of the profile of women with depression and/or anxious symptoms during and after pregnancy. It is possible to understand the need for care and support for affected women, as treatment requires time and patience. Furthermore, family commitment is essential during the therapeutic process, as this contributes to the reduction of depressive and anxious symptoms during the peripartum period.