Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Causes of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Perinatal mood disorders are real medical illnesses and can affect any woman—regardless of age, race, income, culture, or education. Women are not to blame or at fault for having perinatal mood disorders: it is not brought on by anything a woman has or has not done. Perinatal mood disorders do not have a single cause. Research suggests that perinatal disorders are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Life stress (for example, demands at work or experiences of past trauma), the physical and emotional demands of childbearing and caring for a new baby, and changes in hormones that occur during and after pregnancy can contribute to the development of perinatal disorders. In addition, women are at greater risk for developing perinatal disorders if they have a personal or family history of mental health (i.e. depression, bipolar, addiction) or if they have experienced perinatal mood disorders with a previous pregnancy.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
Perinatal mood disorders are conditions that can affect women during pregnancy and after childbirth. The word “perinatal” refers to the time before and after the birth of a child. Perinatal mood disorders can begin during pregnancy (called prenatal depression) or start after the baby is born (called postpartum depression). Mothers with perinatal mood disorders experience feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that may make it difficult for them to carry out daily tasks, including caring for themselves or others.
Baby Blues
The “baby blues” is a term used to describe mild mood changes and feelings of worry, unhappiness, and exhaustion that many women sometimes experience in the first 2 weeks after having a baby. Babies require around-the-clock care, so it’s normal for mothers to feel tired or overwhelmed sometimes. If mood changes and feelings of anxiety or unhappiness are severe, or if they last longer than 2 weeks, a woman may have postpartum depression or other perinatal mood disorders.
Treatments for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Treatment for perinatal mood disorders is important for both the mother and the baby, as these disorders can have serious health effects on both. With proper treatment, most women feel better and their symptoms improve. Treatment for perinatal mood disorders often includes psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of the two. A medical or mental health provider can help women choose the best treatment based on their symptoms.
Psychotherapy, known as "talk therapy" or "counseling", is provided by licensed mental health providers. Some therapists are specifically trained in perinatal mood disorders and have acquired the credentials PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health- Certificate). Psychotherapy can help women with perinatal mood disorders by improving coping skills, providing education and support, and offering treatment strategies.
National Institute of Mental Health