Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
For many, parenthood is a blissful, beautiful, and breathtaking experience. However, it can be harrowing, which is why it is important that we, as clinicians, understand and treat the unique psychiatric challenges that are associated with this period in caregivers' lives. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), is the term used to describe mood and anxiety disorders that affect women from pregnancy to 12 months postpartum. PMADs include a variety of disorders, such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar mood disorder, psychosis, and PTSD and impact 15-20% of birthing parents and 10% of partners.
Who Can Develop PMADs: Looking At The Risk Factors
There are a variety of risk factors to consider with PMADs.
History of depression, anxiety or Obsessional Compulsive Disorder
Thyroid or endocrine disorders
Lack of support from family and friends
Pregnancy or delivery complications, infertility, miscarriage or infant loss
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Financial Stress or poverty
Abrupt discontinuation of breastfeeding
History of Abuse
Unwanted or unplanned pregnancy
A comprehensive evaluation with someone specializing in PMADs is essential to determine risks, diagnosis and treatment. Experiencing PMADs can feel shaming and isolating to parents. They often go unrecognized by health professionals and parents' shame may make it difficult to ask for help.
What to look for
Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness
Disturbances of sleep and appetite
Feelings of anger, rage, or irritability, or scary and unwanted thoughts
crying and sadness, constant worry or racing thoughts
Lack of interest in the baby or difficulty bonding
Physical symptoms like dizziness, nausea, hot flashes
Loss of interest, joy or pleasure in things
Possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself
What we offer
Members of our team have specialized training and experience in the evaluation and treatment of PMADs. Our Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Leslie Canicatti, can help you explore medication and other health-related options. Our clinicians specialize in the mental wellbeing of both the caregivers and the baby using evidenced-based approaches in both individual therapy and our mothers' groups. We cover relevant topics, including managing mood and anxiety, challenges in relationships, changes in roles and identity and ambivalence. The group provides a lower-cost alternative to individual therapy as well as a space to process one's experience and connect with others. We also partner with community professionals in learning how to screen for PMADs.
Visit our website to find out more about our Mothers' Groups, find a provider or get support in screening for PMADs.
Kym is on the board of the Colorado Chapter of Postpartum Support International (PSI), an organization dedicated to promoting awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in all areas of Colorado. The PSI website offers a wealth of support and information: postpartum.net
