PSI Risk Factors and Prevention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which prevention strategy is supported by evidence for reducing perinatal depression in high-risk individuals?
- Prophylactic psychotherapy or starting antidepressants in the third trimester for those with prior history (Correct answer)
- Avoiding all social contact to reduce stress
- Prolonged bed rest during late pregnancy
- Taking over-the-counter sleep aids
Correct answer: Prophylactic psychotherapy or starting antidepressants in the third trimester for those with prior history
For high-risk individuals, prophylactic psychotherapy and in some cases prophylactic antidepressant therapy initiated in the third trimester can reduce the risk of postpartum depression.
Question 2: What role does birth plan disappointment or birth trauma play in PMAD risk?
- It can contribute to postpartum depression, anxiety, and PTSD (Correct answer)
- It has no measurable effect on postpartum mood
- It primarily affects the partner, not the birthing person
- It resolves completely within 48 hours of delivery
Correct answer: It can contribute to postpartum depression, anxiety, and PTSD
Unexpected complications, loss of birth plan control, or traumatic birth experiences are recognized risk factors for perinatal depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Question 3: How does infant temperament affect postpartum depression risk?
- A difficult or highly reactive infant temperament can increase maternal stress and PMAD risk (Correct answer)
- Infant temperament has no relationship to maternal mental health
- Only infant sleep patterns matter, not temperament
- Easy infant temperament always prevents postpartum depression
Correct answer: A difficult or highly reactive infant temperament can increase maternal stress and PMAD risk
Difficult infant temperament, such as excessive crying or high reactivity, increases parental stress and is associated with higher risk of postpartum depression.
Question 4: Which modifiable risk factor for perinatal depression can be directly addressed during prenatal care?
- Building a strong social support network (Correct answer)
- Changing genetic predisposition
- Eliminating all hormonal changes postpartum
- Guaranteeing a complication-free birth
Correct answer: Building a strong social support network
Healthcare providers can actively work with patients during prenatal care to strengthen social support networks, which is a modifiable risk factor for perinatal depression.
Question 5: Multiple previous pregnancy losses (miscarriage or stillbirth) are associated with what PMAD risk?
- Elevated risk of perinatal anxiety, depression, and grief-related symptoms in subsequent pregnancies (Correct answer)
- Reduced risk due to experienced coping
- No effect on mental health in future pregnancies
- Only grief, not clinical depression
Correct answer: Elevated risk of perinatal anxiety, depression, and grief-related symptoms in subsequent pregnancies
A history of pregnancy loss significantly elevates anxiety, depression, and complicated grief responses in subsequent pregnancies and the postpartum period.
Question 6: How does breastfeeding difficulty relate to postpartum depression risk?
- Significant breastfeeding difficulty is associated with increased risk of postpartum depression (Correct answer)
- Breastfeeding difficulty is unrelated to maternal mental health
- Only formula feeding mothers experience postpartum depression
- Breastfeeding always protects against postpartum depression
Correct answer: Significant breastfeeding difficulty is associated with increased risk of postpartum depression
Significant breastfeeding challenges cause pain, frustration, and feelings of failure that can contribute to or worsen postpartum depression.
PSI Risk Factors and Prevention 2
Which prevention strategy is supported by evidence for reducing perinatal depression in high-risk individuals?