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Postpartum
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
» Occurs in 3% to 5% of new mothers
» Repetitive
and persistent thoughts about hurting or killing
the baby
» Feelings
of revulsion and loathing about these thoughts
» Counting,
checking, cleaning or other repetitive behaviors
» Personal/family
history of obsessive-compulsive behavior may contribute
to its occurrence
Postpartum
Panic Disorder
» Occurs in approximately 10% of new mothers
» Causes
extreme anxiety, shortness of breath, chest pain,
restlessness, dizziness, agitation, irritability,
or numbness
» During
the panic attack, the new mother may fear she is
going crazy or dying
» Causes
excessive worry or fears including the fear of having
another panic attack
» Thyroid
dysfunction or personal/family history of anxiety
or panic disorder may contribute to its occurrence
Postpartum
Psychosis
» Occurs in one to two per thousand
» The most serious postpartum disorder and
requires immediate treatment
» Has a 5% suicide and 4% infanticide rate
» Causes visual or auditory hallucinations,
delusional thinking (about the infant’s death,
denial of birth, or need to kill the baby), or delirium
and/or mania
» Risk factors are personal/family history
of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia
and a previous psychotic or bipolar episode
If you have mood swings or feel depressed for more
than a few days after the birth of your baby; feel
you are unable to cope with everyday activities,
or have strong feelings of depression or anger after
childbirth call your physician.
If you experience thoughts of hurting or killing
yourself; hurting your baby or your other children;
hear voices or see things; or have thoughts that
your baby is evil – call a friend or neighbor
AND 911 immediately.
Treatment for postpartum depression may include
therapy, support groups, and/or antidepressants.
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Postpartum Depression
Many women have mood swings or disturbances after pregnancy. One minute they are happy and the next they are crying. Many feel guilty for their feelings during this time. Most symptoms are mild and go away on their own within 10 days after delivery.
However, approximately 10-20% will develop more serious forms of mood disorders.
Postpartum mood swings/disorders fall into five
categories:
“Baby Blues”
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Postpartum Panic Disorder
Postpartum Psychosis
"Baby
Blues"
» “Baby Blues” is not considered a disorder
because it is a common, mild mood disturbance that
affects approximately 80% of new mothers.
» May cause crying,
irritability, sadness, and trouble sleeping
» Lasts from several days to two weeks.
» Does not interfere with a mother’s ability
to care for her baby
» Is not caused by stress and is not related to a
previous mental illness.
Postpartum
Depression
Many women have mood swings or disturbances after pregnancy. One minute they are happy and the next they are crying. Many feel guilty for their feelings during this time. Most symptoms are mild and go away on their own within 10 days after delivery. However, approximately 10-20% will develop more serious forms of mood disorders.
Postpartum depression has no specific cause but
hormone imbalance, mental illness before pregnancy,
family history of mental illness, or a pregnancy
loss appears to be contributing factors.
» Occurs in approximately
10-20% of new mothers
» Can begin
anytime within the first year
» May cause excessive worry or anxiety, irritability,
sadness, sleep problems, feelings of hopelessness,
loss of focus and concentration, significant weight
loss or gain, or discomfort or lack of feeling toward
the baby
» May have feelings about harming the baby (although
most with postpartum depression rarely act on these
feelings)
» Interferes with a mother’s ability to care
for her baby
» Previous major depression, psychosocial stress,
inadequate social support or thyroid dysfunction
may contribute to its development
Continued
on right column »
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