PSI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PSI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. PSI's 'Climb Out of the Darkness' event raises awareness and funds by organizing what type of activity? → Community hikes and outdoor walks
2. What term describes the process by which early parent-infant relationship difficulties related to PMAD can be addressed therapeutically? → Child-parent psychotherapy (CPP) or dyadic therapy
3. Cognitive symptoms of postpartum depression include which of the following? → Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
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
5. What is the recommended treatment approach for postpartum psychosis? → Hospitalization plus antipsychotics and mood stabilizers as it is a psychiatric emergency
6. What is the PSI Coordinator Network? → A volunteer network of regional contacts who connect families with local resources
7. Which postpartum mood disorder is characterized by intrusive, ego-dystonic thoughts that the mother finds deeply disturbing and inconsistent with her values? → Postpartum OCD
8. Which PSI resource is specifically dedicated to fathers and non-birthing partners? → PSI's 'Help for Dads' webpage and downloadable resources
9. PSI's online support groups are moderated by whom? → Trained volunteer facilitators or licensed professionals
10. When is the best time to get checked for postpartum depression? → 2+ weeks after delivery
11. Which factor is considered the STRONGEST single predictor of postpartum depression? → History of depression or anxiety during pregnancy
12. Financial stress and poverty during the perinatal period are associated with what outcome? → Higher rates of perinatal depression and reduced access to treatment
13. How should family members respond when a new parent discloses postpartum depression symptoms? → Listen without judgment, validate their experience, and offer specific practical help
14. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is particularly well-suited for postpartum depression because it directly addresses: → Role transitions, grief, and relationship conflicts that are central to new parenthood
15. When was Postpartum Support International founded? → 1987
16. The PHQ-9 is used in perinatal mental health screening to assess what? → Severity of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks
17. When a mother with PPD avoids leaving the house and stops responding to friends' messages, this behavior reflects which PPD characteristic? → Social withdrawal and isolation
18. Which of the following is a recognized risk factor for more severe psychological distress following perinatal loss? → A previous personal history of depression or anxiety
19. What does PSI advise partners to do if they suspect their loved one may be a danger to themselves or the baby? → Seek immediate professional evaluation and do not leave the person alone
20. A PSI-trained supporter working with a postpartum woman should prioritize which of the following actions when the woman discloses thoughts of suicide? → Immediately connect her to emergency mental health services or a crisis line
21. What role does birth plan disappointment or birth trauma play in PMAD risk? → It can contribute to postpartum depression, anxiety, and PTSD
22. Of the following, which one is NOT a sign of depression after giving birth? → Delegating chores to others
23. Which factor most commonly causes a perinatal patient to discontinue medication treatment prematurely? → Concerns about medication safety during breastfeeding
24. PSI hosts an annual conference primarily attended by whom? → Mental health professionals, researchers, and advocates in perinatal mental health
25. Which Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score range is typically used as a threshold to screen positive for PPD? → 10 or above
26. Which of the following is a risk factor that increases a woman's likelihood of developing postpartum depression? → Having a previous history of depression
27. When is pharmacological treatment most clearly indicated for postpartum depression? → When symptoms are moderate to severe or when psychotherapy alone is insufficient
28. The EPDS has been validated for use in which populations beyond postpartum mothers? → Pregnant women, fathers, and adoptive parents
29. How does postpartum depression differ from postpartum psychosis in terms of reality testing? → PPD maintains intact reality testing; psychosis involves loss of reality contact
30. Postpartum depression is distinguished from 'baby blues' primarily by: → Symptoms lasting beyond two weeks