Publication informationBest Practice and Research: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 24 (4): 491-502Publisher Elsevier Item record/more information http://hdl.handle.net/10197/5799
Publisher's statementThis is the author's version of a work that was accepted for publication in Best Practice and Research: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Best Practice and Research: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology (VOL 24, ISSUE 4, (2010)
AbstractThis paper will discuss the nature of the association between abortion and mental health problems. Studies arguing that both side of the debate as to whether abortion per se is responsible will be presented. The prevalence of various psychiatric disorders will be outlined and where there is dispute between studies these will be highlighted. The impact of abortion on other areas such as education, partner relationships and sexual function will also be considered and the question as to whether abortion helps women's mental health will be addressed. Suggestions for early identification of illness will be made. The absence of specific interventions will be highlighted Word count: 7225 including practice points, research agenda, multiple choice questions and references
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Abortion among young women and subsequent life outcomesInduced abortion is the most common surgical procedure in the Western World with an estimated 42 million pregnancy terminations taking place worldwide each year according to The Alan Guttmacher Institute. The relationship between abortion and subsequent life outcomes, particularly those relating to mental health outcomes, is one that has been discussed, often acrimoniously, in peer reviewed journals for several decades although this was hampered by significant methodological flaws in the earlier studies. It is an important question to resolve since an increase in the incidence of mental health problems post abortion would impact significantly on resources as well as on personal wellbeing.A number of questions present themselves in relation to the subsequent life outcome for women who terminate their pregnancies. These are:1. What is the usual emotional reaction to abortion? 2. Is there a specific psychiatric disorder associated abortion? 3. Is abortion associated with an increase in mental health problems and if so is the relationship a causal one? 4. What psychiatric disorders are associated with abortion? 5. Does abortion impact on social outcomes such as education, employment and relationships? 6. Does terminating an unwanted pregnancy help women's mental health? 7. What therapeutic interventions are available when a woman has an adverse reaction and do these have impact on subsequent life outcomes?Each of these questions will be considered in...