Introduction
After a woman gives birth, she has to deal with many things, adjust herself to an entirely new life, and cope with lots of stress. As a result, the postpartum period and pregnancy can trigger obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The most common concerns that trouble women with postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder are:
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Ensuring the baby bottles are well sterilized.
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Concern about germs and dirt.
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Constant anxiety and urge to check whether the baby monitor is working or not.
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Make sure to avoid mistakes.
There is a continuous lingering thought when one becomes a new mom. The treatment for postpartum diagnosis includes certain medications like serotonergic drugs and psychoeducation, which helps the patient understand that she is unlikely to harm her child, along with exposure to response preventive therapy.
What Are the Causes of Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
New moms have five times more chances of developing the postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder than other women. In addition, studies have shown that 70 % of women with postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder have postpartum depression. The exact cause of the postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder is not known yet, but it is believed that it is linked to hormonal and physiological changes that come with childbirth and pregnancy. Due to rapid hormonal changes in women during pregnancy and childbirth, women are more likely to develop anxiety and mood disorders, especially first-time moms. In addition, the changes in certain hormone-like oxytocin and progesterone usually affect the postpartum period and pregnancy. The potential risks factors of the postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder include:
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Having a family history of anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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Hormonal changes that take place during and after the pregnancy.
What Are the Symptoms of Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
The two main symptoms of postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder are fear of germs and fear of injuring the baby. All these fears and concerns are temporary because of hormonal changes or having the first child. However, if these thoughts start to interfere with the daily routine, it could lead to postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder. These postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms can begin during pregnancy or after childbirth. The thoughts make one uncomfortable, and it affects their daily functioning life. Other symptoms include:
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Postpartum depression.
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Feeling overwhelmed because of the compulsions and obsession.
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Interference with taking care of the child.
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A helper or partner is needed nearby because of the fear of hurting the baby.
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Have a difficult time taking care of the baby.
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Fear of dropping the baby.
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Avoid sharing this feeling or situation with others, and try to keep the obsession to oneself because of fear of being diagnosed with psychosis or being hospitalized.
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The constant urge to clean, repeating prayers, asking for reassurance, and frequent checking on the baby.
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Inability to sleep because of obsessions and compulsive urges.
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Always worried that the baby could choke, fall or die suddenly.
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Fear of being left alone with the baby.
All these symptoms can appear in the first two to three weeks after the birth, and they may go unnoticed at first.
How Is Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Diagnosed?
There are many parents out there who deal with similar worries, so feeling ashamed about it is unnecessary. If a parent notices that their thoughts are overwhelming and interfering with their ability to parent, it is recommended that they visit their healthcare provider. Sharing one's thoughts won't result in hospitalization or judgment from others. For instance, a woman who experiences postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder may have concerns about losing her child due to her condition. The healthcare provider may conduct a brief review of her medical history and evaluate her thoughts and emotions. Additionally, the provider may use a rating scale to quantify and assess her obsessive and compulsive behaviors.
What Are the Effects of Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
The effects of postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder are:
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Depression, sadness.
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The feeling of hopelessness.
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Problems with bonding with the newborn.
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Problems with caring for the newborn baby.
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Lack of self-care.
How Is Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treated?
Once the woman is diagnosed with postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, treatment can be initiated. A similar method is used to treat other types of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The treatment options include:
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most commonly recommended therapy for addressing the obsessive-compulsive disorder. During the therapy session, a psychologist will discuss the patient's obsessive thoughts and provide an explanation that these thoughts are normal and not harmful. The primary objective of cognitive-behavioral therapy is to help patients confront and overcome the situations and thoughts they are trying to avoid. Through CBT, patients learn to reduce their compulsive behaviors and develop effective coping mechanisms to manage the fears they face.
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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) - Serotonin is a hormone that helps regulate mood and feelings of mental well-being. SSRIs help to increase serotonin levels and reduce the feeling of doom and anxiousness. The SSRIs prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder are safe for women to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Medications - Along with CBT, the doctor may also prescribe antidepressants. Antidepressants are usually recommended as the first line of treatment for postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Conclusion
Providing education to women about the occurrence and nature of intrusive thoughts during their childbearing period is essential. This can help increase awareness of the postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder and ensure that affected women receive the appropriate treatment. By educating women about this condition, they will be better equipped to recognize the symptoms and seek help promptly. Ultimately, increased awareness of postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder can lead to improved treatment outcomes and better mental health for women during and after childbirth.
