Types and Symptoms of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

 
  • Pregnancy/Postpartum Depression – symptoms can include feelings of sadness, irritability, anger, guilt, loneliness, or loss of interest in things you would normally enjoy. Many women report simply not feeling like themselves. Some moms cry often but others do not. Symptoms will differ for everyone.

 

  • Pregnancy/Postpartum Anxiety – extreme worries or fears, often focused on the health and safety of your baby.  Many women report a constant fear that something terrible will happen to them or their baby. Physical symptoms can include dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and a sense of losing control.

 

  • Pregnancy/Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – most often includes frequent or repetitive, unwanted thoughts or images (obsessions) and a need to engage in certain behaviors over and over again (compulsions) to reduce the anxiety associated with these thoughts/images. Examples can include thoughts of driving off the road with your baby in the car and refusing to drive to avoid the anxiety associated with your thoughts. Moms are very scared by these thoughts, they have no desire or intention of acting on them and they want them to go away. 

 

  • Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – can result after a traumatic childbirth, NICU stay, loss, or past trauma. Symptoms can include nightmares, flashbacks, and avoiding memories or situations related to the event.

 

  • Postpartum Psychosis – is rare, occurring in approximately less than 1% of women. The onset is often sudden, within the first 2 weeks after delivery. Symptoms can include paranoia, seeing and hearing voices or images that others cannot, called hallucinations, or having strange beliefs, called delusions. *** Postpartum Psychosis is treatable but is also an emergency and it is essential that you get help immediately.**