PSI Characteristics of Postpartum Depression 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which physical symptom is commonly reported by women experiencing postpartum depression?
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Persistent fatigue unrelieved by rest (Correct answer)
- Elevated mood and energy in the morning
- Decreased need for sleep without tiredness
Correct answer: Persistent fatigue unrelieved by rest
Persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest is a hallmark physical symptom of postpartum depression.
Question 2: Postpartum depression is distinguished from 'baby blues' primarily by:
- The presence of sadness
- Symptoms lasting beyond two weeks (Correct answer)
- Occurring in the first 24 hours postpartum
- Mild irritability toward the partner
Correct answer: Symptoms lasting beyond two weeks
Baby blues typically resolve within two weeks; PPD is characterized by symptoms persisting longer than two weeks.
Question 3: A mother with PPD frequently experiences intrusive thoughts that she might harm her baby. This is best described as:
- Normal new-parent anxiety
- Postpartum psychosis requiring immediate hospitalization
- Ego-dystonic obsessional thoughts often associated with PPD (Correct answer)
- A sign she intends to act on those thoughts
Correct answer: Ego-dystonic obsessional thoughts often associated with PPD
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts about harming the baby are ego-dystonic and common in PPD; they are distressing to the mother and do not indicate intent.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes anhedonia in the context of postpartum depression?
- Intense fear of being alone with the baby
- Inability to experience pleasure in previously enjoyable activities (Correct answer)
- Excessive attachment and inability to put the baby down
- Heightened emotional sensitivity to music and art
Correct answer: Inability to experience pleasure in previously enjoyable activities
Anhedonia is the loss of pleasure or interest in activities once enjoyed, and it is a core symptom of postpartum depression.
Question 5: Research indicates that postpartum depression affects approximately what percentage of new mothers in the US?
- 1–2%
- 5–7%
- 10–15% (Correct answer)
- 30–40%
Correct answer: 10–15%
Approximately 10–15% of new mothers in the US experience postpartum depression, making it one of the most common perinatal complications.
Question 6: A new mother reports feeling emotionally numb and disconnected from her newborn. This symptom in PPD is known as:
- Hypervigilance
- Emotional blunting or detachment (Correct answer)
- Postpartum elation
- Separation anxiety
Correct answer: Emotional blunting or detachment
Emotional blunting or detachment—feeling numb or disconnected from the baby—is a recognized symptom of postpartum depression.
Question 7: Cognitive symptoms of postpartum depression include which of the following?
- Enhanced problem-solving skills
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions (Correct answer)
- Improved memory for infant care tasks
- Increased creativity and abstract thinking
Correct answer: Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Cognitive difficulties such as trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, and difficulty making decisions are common symptoms of PPD.
PSI Characteristics of Postpartum Depression 2
Which physical symptom is commonly reported by women experiencing postpartum depression?