Postabortion depressive reactions in college women.

PIP: The problem of postabortion depressive reactions among college women was examined by 1) identifying the characteristics of depressive reactions; 2) reviewing research findings on the immediate and long-term psychological effects of abortion; and 3) briefly describing the reactions of several pregnant women who used the counseling services of the college health center. Depressive reactions are characterized by a loss of self esteem. Adolescents and adults suffering from depressive reactions exhibit different types of symptoms. College students may exhibit both adult and adolescent symptoms. Recent studies indicate that postabortion depressive reactions occur shortly after abortion but that most of these symptoms disapear within a year. Pregnant women who used the services of the college health clinic tended to feel helpless. They did not want to interrupt their college work by having a baby but having an abortion seemed to be an equally unacceptable alternative. Crisis intervention therapy helped the women deal with their feelings of helplessness. Therapy helped the women complete the development tasks associated with adolescents and this enabled them to reach an abortion decision which was compatible with their own attitudes and feelings. Therapeutic intervention following abortion may help women accept their loss and reestablish their sense of personal antonomy.^ieng