PMADS (Prenatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder’s) are a spectrum of postpartum disorders including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and postpartum psychosis.
- It is estimated that 1 in 5 women, worldwide, experience some type of PMAD
- 1 in 10 dads are estimated to develop depression during the postpartum period
- Up to 50% of mothers do not seek mental health treatment
- Without treatment, poor maternal mental health may have long term and negative consequences for mother, child and family.
- Symptoms often develop during pregnancy or the first few days after childbirth, but may not develop for months after childbirth
- Research shows that symptoms do not usually resolve without treatment
PMAD depression and anxiety symptoms include:
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Persistent sadness
- Changes in sleeping or eating patterns, including insomnia or loss of appetite
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities (anhedonia)
- Issues with concentration or decision-making
- Separation anxiety
- Irritable Mood or mood swings
- Feelings of guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, or feeling “overwhelmed”
- Avoidance behaviors
Postpartum OCD is estimated to affect 11% of new mothers, however, this percentage may be higher due to the limited education around experience surrounding assessment and treatment of the disorder. Symptoms include:
- Obsessions (Intrusive thoughts or mental images typically related to the baby)
- Compulsions (Behaviors performed to reduce the frequency and intensity of the obsessions)
- Mothers are highly unlikely to act on these obsessions and typically present with a fear and disgust about the obsessions
Postpartum PTSD is estimated to affect 9% of women due to traumatic childbirth. Symptoms include:
- Reliving of trauma via dreams/nightmares or flashbacks
- Avoidance of thoughts, feelings, people, or any associated stimuli related to trauma
- Persistent increased arousal, including hypervigilence, irritability, sleep issues, and/or exaggerated startle response
Perinatal Bipolar Disorder:
- It is estimated that 22% of women with postpartum depression are actually suffering from postpartum bipolar disorder
- More than 70% of women with bipolar disorder will become ill during pregnancy when stopping their medication
Postpartum Psychosis happens in 1-2 out of every 1,000 deliveries. Symptoms include:
- Delusions (strange beliefs)
- Hallucinations
- Significant mood changes including irritability, hyperactivity, and decreased need for sleep
- Treatment is crucial: 5% suicide rate and 4% infanticide rate associated with psychosis
Please Remember:
“You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.”
PSI Helpline: (800) 944-4PPD (4773) • www.postpartum.net
Parental Stress Line 1-800-632-8188
Psychiatric Crisis Services (Home based visits available)
- Hampden County and surrounding communities, including Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke: (413) 733-6661
- Franklin County Crisis Services: (413) 774-5411, (800) 562-0112
- Crisis Services of Hampshire County: (413) 586-5555
- Westfield Crisis, West Springfield, Agawam, Westfield, Hilltowns: (413) 568-6386
https://wmmhday.postpartum.net/
https://www.postpartum.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/PSI-PMD-FACT-SHEET-2015.pdf