Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

What are Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)?

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) is the term used to describe mental health issues that occur at any point during pregnancy and within 12 months following childbirth. PMADs includes conditions such as Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Postpartum Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. PMADs can affect both the birthing and non-birthing parents.

It is important to note that all PMADs are temporary, treatable conditions and there are effective treatment options available. Please visit the Services page to find out more about the services I offer or the Contact page to book a session.

Who can develop PMADs?

While there is no single cause of developing PMADs, there are numerous factors that may put expectant and new parents at a higher risk and include:

  • Family history of mood disorders

  • Previous history of mood disorders

  • Recent stressful life events (loss of a loved one, separation, job loss)

  • Lack of social support

  • Poor partner relationship

  • Social inequalities (unemployment, food and housing issues)

  • Childcare stress

  • Unwanted or unplanned pregnancy

  • Obstetric complications

  • Difficult infant temperament

What is Postpartum Depression?

While many new mothers experience the “baby blues” within the first 2 to 3 weeks following delivery, these feelings are short-lived and typically resolve on their own. The term Postpartum/Perinatal Depression (PPD) is most frequently used by clinicians and researchers to describe a depressive episode that occurs anytime during pregnancy and within 12 months following childbirth. Although symptoms for the two may initially appear similar, PPD lasts longer, is more severe, and requires treatment. Common symptoms might include:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness and crying

  • Feelings of anger and irritability

  • Lack of interest in your baby and/or difficulty connecting with baby

  • Changes in appetite

  • Difficulties sleeping and increased fatigue

  • Withdrawing from friends and family

  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities

  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness

  • Thoughts that you are a “bad” mother

  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

If you are concerned about your immediate safety or the safety of your baby, call 911 or a mental health crisis line (Nova Scotia: 902-429-8167 or toll-free: 1-888-429-8167; New Brunswick: 1-800-667-5005)

What is Postpartum Anxiety?

Postpartum Anxiety is is the term used to describe generalized anxiety that occurs anytime during the postpartum period. Common symptoms might include:

  • Excessive worries related to baby that are difficulty to control

  • Feelings of restlessness

  • Changes in appetite

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Difficulties sleeping and increased fatigue

  • Feeling like something bad is going to happen

  • Increased irritability or feelings of rage

  • Increased muscle tension

What is Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by obsessive, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges which may be accompanied by compulsive behaviours. Common symptoms might include:

  • Recurring unwanted intrusive thoughts or images related to baby’s safety

  • Thoughts that can be disturbing in nature and cause significant distress

  • Avoiding certain activities or objects due to intrusive thoughts (such as driving, stairs, or bathing baby)

  • Repeatedly checking on baby (checking breathing, checking car seat)

  • Other compulsive behaviours done to reduce feelings of anxiety (cleaning, checking, washing, counting)

What is Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ?

Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by exposure to a real or perceived trauma during delivery or postpartum. Examples of traumas that can lead to PTSD during this period are an unplanned C-section or medical interventions during delivery (i.e. vacuum or forceps), severe medical complications or injury caused by pregnancy or delivery, time spent in the NICU, loss of baby, and lack of communication or support during labour and delivery. Common symptoms might include:

  • recurrent, intrusive memories or dreams of the traumatic event

  • flashbacks of the traumatic event

  • avoidance of memories or external reminders of the traumatic event

  • persistent feelings of guilt, anger, anxiety, irritability

  • decreased interest in meaningful activities

  • feeling detached from others and difficulty connecting with baby

  • difficulty sleeping and concentrating

** This page is for informational purposes only **