| 1. Title: Psychotherapeutic issues related to abortion. Author: Minden SL; Notman MT Source: In: Psychiatric aspects of abortion, edited by Nada L. Stotland. Washington, D.C., American Psychiatric Press, 1991. :119-33. (Issues in Psychiatry) Abstract: Although the individual woman's response to pregnancy and abortion will be determined by her current life situation, past experiences, coping skills, personality, and vulnerability to psychiatric illness, a general process of adaptation can be outlined. The immediate response to pregnancy will be shaped by whether the pregnancy was planned or represents an unconscious response to loss or other life events. Even when there is no ambivalence regarding a decision to abort, some apprehension can be expected. The immediate postabortion reaction is likely to be relief on the part of women who either do not want children or are overwhelmed by children already born. On the other hand, women who chose abortion because of their life situation or medical indications often experience grief reactions and are at risk of becoming pregnant again. By the 6th month after abortion, adverse reactions such as depression, guilt, anxiety, and anger tend to recede and positive effects on self-esteem and contraceptive use may be found. Women who continue to manifest negative psychiatric sequelae after 6 months almost always have preexisting psychiatric conditions. Overall, the process of psychological adjustment to abortion is analogous to that associated with other life stresses. The initial turmoil and disorganization evoke mobilization of new adaptive patterns, followed by resolution and reintegration. It is important that obstetrics and gynecology training programs offer material on the psychological issues surrounding pregnancy and abortion and the indicators for referring abortion patients to mental health professionals for psychotherapy. Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | ABORTION | PREGNANCY | TIME FACTORS | PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS | LONGTERM EFFECTS | PHYSICIANS | PSYCHIATRY | COUNSELING | SIDE EFFECTS | North America | Americas | Developed Countries | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Reproduction | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Behavior | Health Personnel | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Medicine | Health Services | Clinic Activities | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Treatment Document Number: 072668 Notification |
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