Postpartum Mood & Anxiety Disorders Knowledge Flashcards

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom that distinguishes postpartum psychosis from other postpartum mood disorders?

Answer: Rapid mood fluctuations with confusion and hallucinations

Postpartum psychosis is distinguished by rapid cycling mood changes, confusion, disorganized thinking, hallucinations, and delusions, typically emerging within the first two weeks postpartum.

PSI recommends that all pregnant and postpartum women be screened using which validated tool?

Answer: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is the most widely validated and PSI-recommended screening tool specifically designed for perinatal populations.

Postpartum generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) differs from normal new-parent worry primarily in that it:

Answer: Is excessive, difficult to control, and causes significant functional impairment

Postpartum GAD involves worry that is out of proportion, pervasive, hard to control, and significantly impairs daily functioning, distinguishing it from typical new-parent concern.

A father presents with withdrawal, irritability, and loss of interest in the baby three months after delivery. This presentation is most consistent with:

Answer: Paternal perinatal depression, which affects approximately 10% of new fathers

Paternal perinatal depression is a recognized condition affecting roughly 10% of new fathers and often presents with irritability, withdrawal, and disengagement rather than overt sadness.

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'matrescence' as it relates to perinatal mental health?

Answer: The profound psychological and identity transformation a person undergoes when becoming a mother

Matrescence describes the developmental transition into motherhood—a significant identity shift comparable to adolescence—that can contribute to emotional vulnerability in the postpartum period.

A woman with postpartum depression who also has a history of bipolar disorder should be treated with particular caution regarding antidepressants because:

Answer: Antidepressant monotherapy may trigger mania or rapid cycling without a mood stabilizer

In bipolar disorder, using antidepressants without a mood stabilizer can induce manic episodes or rapid cycling, so a mood stabilizer is typically required alongside or instead of an antidepressant.

Which postpartum anxiety presentation involves discrete episodes of sudden, intense physical symptoms such as racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness?

Answer: Postpartum panic disorder

Postpartum panic disorder is characterized by acute panic attacks with prominent physical symptoms that peak rapidly and may be mistaken for medical emergencies.