PSI Treatment Approaches for Perinatal Mental Health 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of therapy is considered a first-line evidence-based treatment for postpartum depression?
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (Correct answer)
- Psychoanalytic therapy only
- Hypnotherapy
- Art therapy only
Correct answer: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a well-established, evidence-based first-line psychotherapy for postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorders.
Question 2: Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is particularly effective for perinatal depression because it focuses on what?
- Resolving interpersonal conflicts and role transitions related to new parenthood (Correct answer)
- Childhood trauma only
- Sleep deprivation management techniques
- Couples financial planning
Correct answer: Resolving interpersonal conflicts and role transitions related to new parenthood
IPT targets interpersonal issues such as role transitions and relationship conflicts, which are especially relevant triggers for perinatal depression.
Question 3: When is pharmacological treatment most clearly indicated for postpartum depression?
- When symptoms are moderate to severe or when psychotherapy alone is insufficient (Correct answer)
- Only after the mother stops breastfeeding
- Only if the father requests it
- For all postpartum women as a preventive measure
Correct answer: When symptoms are moderate to severe or when psychotherapy alone is insufficient
Medication is most clearly indicated when postpartum depression symptoms are moderate to severe or when psychotherapy alone has not provided adequate relief.
Question 4: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed for postpartum depression because they do what?
- Increase serotonin availability in the brain to improve mood (Correct answer)
- Block dopamine receptors entirely
- Reduce cortisol production only
- Replace hormones lost after delivery
Correct answer: Increase serotonin availability in the brain to improve mood
SSRIs work by increasing serotonin availability in synapses, which helps regulate mood and is effective in treating postpartum depression.
Question 5: Which SSRI is often considered a preferred choice during breastfeeding due to its low transfer rate into breast milk?
- Sertraline (Correct answer)
- Fluoxetine
- Paroxetine
- Citalopram
Correct answer: Sertraline
Sertraline is commonly considered a preferred SSRI during breastfeeding because it has a low transfer rate into breast milk and a strong safety profile.
Question 6: What is brexanolone (Zulresso) and why is it significant in postpartum depression treatment?
- The first FDA-approved medication specifically indicated for postpartum depression (Correct answer)
- A natural supplement approved by the FDA
- A generic version of sertraline
- An antipsychotic used off-label for PPD
Correct answer: The first FDA-approved medication specifically indicated for postpartum depression
Brexanolone (Zulresso) was the first medication specifically FDA-approved for postpartum depression, targeting neurosteroid pathways involved in its onset.
PSI Treatment Approaches for Perinatal Mental Health 1
Which type of therapy is considered a first-line evidence-based treatment for postpartum depression?