PSI Risk Factors and Prevention 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the strongest single predictor of postpartum depression?
- A personal history of depression or anxiety (Correct answer)
- Delivering via Cesarean section
- Being a first-time mother
- Having a male infant
Correct answer: A personal history of depression or anxiety
A personal history of depression or anxiety is the strongest single predictor of developing postpartum depression.
Question 2: How does a history of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) relate to postpartum depression risk?
- It significantly increases the risk because both involve hormonal sensitivity (Correct answer)
- It has no relationship to postpartum mood
- It is protective against postpartum depression
- It only affects anxiety, not depression
Correct answer: It significantly increases the risk because both involve hormonal sensitivity
PMDD reflects hormonal sensitivity of the brain, which is the same underlying mechanism that elevates risk for postpartum depression.
Question 3: Which psychosocial risk factor is most consistently associated with perinatal depression?
- Lack of social support (Correct answer)
- High household income
- Urban residence
- Having a planned pregnancy
Correct answer: Lack of social support
Lack of social support is one of the most consistent psychosocial risk factors for perinatal depression across diverse populations.
Question 4: What impact does intimate partner violence (IPV) have on perinatal mental health?
- It significantly increases the risk of perinatal depression and anxiety (Correct answer)
- It has no documented mental health impact
- It primarily affects physical health only
- It reduces stress by forcing the mother to seek help
Correct answer: It significantly increases the risk of perinatal depression and anxiety
IPV is a major risk factor for perinatal depression and anxiety, and routine screening for IPV is a key component of comprehensive perinatal care.
Question 5: Financial stress and poverty during the perinatal period are associated with what outcome?
- Higher rates of perinatal depression and reduced access to treatment (Correct answer)
- Lower rates of anxiety due to distraction
- No significant effect on perinatal mental health
- Faster recovery from postpartum depression
Correct answer: Higher rates of perinatal depression and reduced access to treatment
Financial stress and poverty are significant risk factors for perinatal depression and also create barriers to accessing mental health treatment.
Question 6: Thyroid dysfunction in the postpartum period can mimic or worsen symptoms of what condition?
- Postpartum depression and anxiety (Correct answer)
- Postpartum psychosis exclusively
- Birth trauma only
- Perinatal OCD
Correct answer: Postpartum depression and anxiety
Postpartum thyroid dysfunction can present with symptoms that mimic or exacerbate depression and anxiety, making thyroid screening important in the differential diagnosis.
PSI Risk Factors and Prevention 1
Which of the following is the strongest single predictor of postpartum depression?