Perinatal Mood Disorder Treatment

What Are Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)?

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that occur during pregnancy or within the first year postpartum. They are medical conditions — not personal weaknesses — and they are highly treatable with proper care.

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The most common perinatal disorders include:

• Postpartum Depression (PPD)

• Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)

• Postpartum OCD

• Perinatal Panic Disorder

• Perinatal Bipolar Disorder

• Postpartum PTSD

• Postpartum Psychosis (rare but urgent)

Perinatal Mental Health Conditions

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)

Other Perinatal Mental Health Conditions

Postpartum depression is more than “baby blues.” While baby blues typically resolve within two weeks, PPD persists and can worsen without treatment.

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Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure

• Frequent crying

• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Low energy or extreme fatigue

• Changes in appetite

• Sleep disturbances (beyond newborn sleep disruption)

• Difficulty bonding with baby

• Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby (seek immediate care)

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Postpartum depression can begin during pregnancy (antenatal depression) or anytime within the first year postpartum.

Postpartum anxiety is just as common as depression and may occur alone or alongside it.

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Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety

• Constant worry or racing thoughts

• Feeling on edge or unable to relax

• Irritability

• Difficulty sleeping due to anxiety

• Physical symptoms (heart racing, nausea, dizziness)

• Intrusive thoughts about something bad happening to the baby

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Many parents describe feeling “out of control” of their thoughts. These symptoms are treatable and often respond very well to medication management.

Postpartum OCD

Characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (often about harm coming to the baby) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals to reduce anxiety. These thoughts are distressing and ego-dystonic — meaning they do not reflect the parent’s true intentions.

Perinatal Bipolar Disorder

Mood swings that include depressive episodes and periods of elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, impulsivity, or increased energy. Proper diagnosis is critical, as treatment differs from unipolar depression.

Postpartum Psychosis (Emergency Condition)

A rare but serious condition involving confusion, hallucinations, delusions, or severe mood shifts. Immediate psychiatric care is required.