What Every New Mom Should Know About Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Most everyone has heard the term 'postpartum depression' before and can understand the symptoms to watch for. But, are you aware of another condition called 'postpartum OCD'? Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is the worsening or onset of OCD after childbirth. Pregnant women are often counseled by their obstetricians regarding the possibility and warning signs of postpartum depression but rarely are counseled about postpartum OCD.
Postpartum OCD is manageable without medication, which is important for those who breastfeed their infants. Here's what every new mom should know about postpartum OCD.
What's the difference?
OCD is a mental health condition in which obsessions and/or compulsions are so disturbing and intrusive that they affect and disrupt the person's life. Postpartum OCD is the same except the obsessions and compulsions have to do with the baby in some way. For example, the mother may feel the need to wash her hands repeatedly before feeling comfortable enough to handle her baby, or she may repeatedly change diapers even when the diapers have only been on the baby for a few minutes. Medical professionals don't quite understand the mechanisms of postpartum OCD but believe it is the result of hormonal imbalances similar to that which causes postpartum depression.
How is it diagnosed?
Postpartum OCD is diagnosed essentially by ruling out thyroid issues and brain conditions that could result in an imbalance of hormones, such as estrogen, and/or neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. Because of this, you will undergo medical testing as part of the evaluation process. These tests will involve blood work and possibly MRI brain scans.
Also, a complete psychiatric history will be necessary, so you may want to check with your parents and/or older siblings if you are unsure about your mental health status during your youth or adolescence. If there are no medical reasons found to cause hormonal or neurotransmitter imbalances, then postpartum OCD is diagnosed.
How is it treated?
If you are diagnosed with postpartum OCD and you are breastfeeding, it is crucial for you to avoid taking medications as much as possible. The reason for this is because there have not been adequate studies done to show that antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors do not adversely affect infants through breast milk. Fortunately, cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective and safe way to improve your behavioral health while continuing to breastfeed your baby. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for postpartum OCD typically involves what is called exposure and response prevention, imaginal exposure, as well as cognitive restructuring.
