Loading…
Loading…
Perinatal depression, anxiety and psychosis — recognition and treatment
Perinatal mental health disorders affect ~15% of women during pregnancy and postpartum — depression, anxiety, OCD and rarely psychosis. Early recognition and treatment protect both mother and infant.
Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center
Authored and reviewed by Dr. Ruja Shrestha (MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), NMC 19766). Evidence-based, no fabricated outcomes.
Perinatal mental health disorders affect ~15% of women during pregnancy and postpartum — depression, anxiety, OCD and rarely psychosis. Early recognition and treatment protect both mother and infant.
Reviewed by Dr. Ruja Shrestha, MBBS, MD — Consultant Psychiatrist & CBT Therapist (NMC 19766), Kathmandu Neurology Clinic. For evaluation, book an appointment.
Depression during pregnancy or within 12 months postpartum — affects ~10–15% of women. Symptoms include persistent sadness, guilt, anxiety about the baby, difficulty bonding, sleep/appetite changes, and in severe cases, thoughts of harming self or baby. Risk factors: prior depression, lack of support, relationship problems, difficult pregnancy, hormonal changes.
Anxiety disorders are common in pregnancy/postpartum — excessive worry, panic attacks, health anxiety about the baby. Perinatal OCD involves intrusive thoughts about harming the baby (ego-dystonic — patient is distressed by the thoughts, not acting on them). Both are treatable with therapy and medication when needed.
Rare but serious — onset within days to weeks postpartum: delusions, hallucinations, severe confusion, rapid mood swings, thoughts of harming baby. Requires immediate psychiatric evaluation and treatment — hospitalization may be needed. Most women recover fully with treatment.
ACOG Committee Opinion: Screening for Perinatal Depression. Obstet Gynecol 2018Content on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. In case of a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately. No doctor–patient relationship is established by use of this site or by contacting the clinic through the site.