Introduction
This discussion focuses on three major disorders affecting different people. The targeted conditions include Parkinson’s disease, preeclampsia, and postpartum depression. Preeclampsia is also closely associated with gestational diabetes (Nerenberg et al., 2013). The discussion identifies powerful practices that can support the health needs of every affected patient.
Preeclampsia and Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is “caused by the body’s inability to use sugar during pregnancy” (Nerenberg et al., 2013, p. 5). According to Nerenberg et al. (2013), preeclampsia is a form of hypertension arising from pregnancy. Medical practitioners should be aware of their patients’ medical and personal histories. For instance, cases of preeclampsia in the patient’s family should be taken seriously. Individuals “who had preeclampsia during their past pregnancies have higher chances of developing the disorder” (Nerenberg et al., 2013, p. 992). The occurrence of kidney disease or blood pressure increases chances of getting the disorder. The medical history of an individual should also be taken seriously. Doctors should be aware of any medication prescribed to the targeted patient.
The best drugs for this condition include calcium and aspirin. Magnesium sulfate is also “used to reduce seizures associated with the condition” (Nerenberg et al., 2013, p. 992). Risk factors should also be monitored before and during pregnancy. Follow-up care should focus on the health outcomes of the patient. Individuals with hypertension should continue to receive the best therapies even after giving birth.
This disorder has numerous implications on the patient’s health. The development of preeclampsia after 24 weeks of pregnancy can cause numerous challenges. The condition can affect the patient’s health. The baby’s health is also threatened by the disorder (Nerenberg et al., 2013). For example, the baby’s growth rate decreases significantly (Wendland et al., 2012). Patients should also get appropriate medical attention. Appropriate medications will also be required to manage blood pressure.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is “a mood disorder that occurs after giving birth” (Hou et al., 2014, p. 49). Doctors should be aware of a patient’s personal and medical history in order to deal with postpartum depression. Medical practitioners should understand the mental history of the individual. Patients who have recorded different forms of depression before should be handled with care. The medical history of the patient will help the doctor to offer the best drug therapy.
Doctors can use several methods to deal with postpartum depression. Psychotherapy can focus on mental support and counseling. Such therapies will make it possible for the patient to solve her problems. Members of the family should also be involved throughout the treatment process. The common medicines for this condition are antidepressants. The targeted “medicines should not affect the baby” (Hou et al., 2014, p. 50). Psychotherapy should be combined with various follow-up initiatives. This practice will ensure there is no relapse.
This condition can affect the health outcomes of the affected patient. For instance, the individual might find it hard to complete various tasks. She might also “develop suicidal thoughts” (Scope et al., 2013, p. 5). The patient might also have hallucinations, obsessive thoughts, and delusions. The affected patient may also fail to support the newborn baby. Members of the family might also be unable to cope with the disorder. The patient’s relatives should be encouraged to provide the best financial, emotional, and physical support.
Neurologic Disorder: Parkinson’s disease
Fernandez (2012) defines Parkinson’s disease as “a progressive condition that affects the nervous system and occurs in elderly and middle-aged people” (p. 29). The targeted patient is a female aged 60 years. It is appropriate to understand the patient’s medical and personal history. The patient’s age explains why she has the disorder. As well, physicians can “examine the person’s history in order to identify any hereditary gene associated with the condition” (Sellbach & Silbum, 2012, p. 86). The history will also determine whether the individual has been exposed to different chemicals. The medicines consumed by the patient will dictate the targeted treatment methods.
According to Sellbach and Silbum (2012), Parkinson’s disease is not treatable. However, medications should be used in order to manage various symptoms. The major medications available for the disorder include “Carbidopa-levodopa and Dopamine agonists” (Sellbach & Silbum, 2012, p. 86). Surgery might also be proposed in some advanced stages. Lifestyle changes have the potential to support the needs of many patients. Follow-ups should also be encouraged in order to produce the best outcomes. The practice can be used to monitor the physical, speech, and language skills of every individual.
The patient’s gender dictates the most appropriate for her. Elderly women should get quality care from competent practitioners. The right resources should be used in order “to achieve gender-sensitive health care for the targeted female patient” (Fernandez, 2012, p. 32). The patient can be allowed to join a nursing home facility in order to receive the best support.
Conclusion
This essay supports the use of evidence-based practices to support the needs of different patients. Therapies and medications can be combined in order to produce the best outcomes (Wendland et al., 2012). This strategy can support the needs of many patients. Clinicians should also encourage different family members to be involved in every treatment process. Follow-ups should also be embraced in order to support the health needs of more patients.
Reference List
Fernandez, H. (2012). Updates in the medical management of Parkinson disease. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 79(1), 28-35. Web.
Hou, Y., Hu, P., Zhang, Y., Lu., Q., Wang, D., Yin, L.,…Zou, X. (2014). Cognitive behavioral therapy in combination with systemic family therapy improves mild to moderate postpartum depression. Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria, 36(1), 47-52. Web.
Nerenberg, K., Johnson, J., Leung, B., Savu, A., Ryan, E., Chik, C.,…Kaul, P. (2013). Risks of Gestational Diabetes and Preeclampsia over the Last Decade in a Cohort of Alberta Women. JOGC, 35(11), 986-994. Web.
Scope, A., Leaviss, J., Kaltenthaler, E., Parry, G., Cutcliffe, P., Bradburn, M.,…Cantrell, A. (2013). Is group cognitive behaviour therapy for postnatal depression evidence-based practice? A systematic review. BMC Psychiatry, 13(1), 1-9. Web.
Sellbach, A., & Silbum, P. (2012). Management of Parkinson’s Disease. Australian Prescriber, 35(6), 183-188. Web.
Wendland, E., Torloni, M., Falavigna, M., Trujillo, J., Dode, M., Campos, M.,…Schmidt, M. (2012). Gestational diabetes and pregnancy outcomes – a systematic review of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) diagnostic criteria. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 12(23), 1-13. Web.