Five Things to Know About PMADs

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) is an umbrella term used to describe shifts in mood and thoughts that may occur anytime during pregnancy and in the first year following pregnancy. PMADs are most commonly described or known as postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression, but there is also postpartum panic, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder with postpartum onset, and postpartum psychosis. While these experienced are often described as having a postpartum onset, this is not entirely accurate. In truth, many PMADs present during pregnancy. For those with a history of depression and/or anxiety, symptoms may increase as pregnancy progresses. 

While PMADs are not uncommon, affecting upwards of 20% of women, there are challenges that present during diagnosis and treatment.

First, few clinicians are trained in appropriate identification and treatment of PMADs. A fact that creates barriers for women seeking care and treatment. This also complicates the aforementioned rate of women who are diagnosed with having a PMAD, 20%. The truth is, many women do not seek treatment during the postpartum period, and as mentioned, many clinicians are not trained to effectively work with those experiencing symptoms of PMADs. Because of this, that rate that has high probability of being under-reported; meaning more women struggle with PMADs that we are able to know. 

My goal as a counselor specially trained to work with women during the perinatal period, is to break down barriers to care. One of the ways I do this is through information and education. Women have a right to know that they are not alone, having a PMAD is not their fault, and treatment and recovery is possible. Below are just a few simple facts about PMADs, perhaps these facts will spark your curiosity to know more or to reach out for support. 

Did you know…

1- While PMADs may present at any time during pregnancy or in the first year after pregnancy, many women do not seek help until after their first postpartum year. Even though a women may be past this window, she may still be experiencing symptoms associated with postpartum depression, anxiety, or panic. For mothers of multiple children, it is possible for each postpartum experience to be unique in terms of emotional and cognitive health. Those with a personal or family history of depression and/or anxiety are at a greater risk for developing a PMAD.  

2- Nearly 1 in 5 birthing women are diagnosed with a PMAD, this number increases to 1 in 3 among women of color- making maternal depression and anxiety the most common birthing and pregnancy complication. Despite this fact, there is not universal screening, assessment, or treatment for PMADs during pregnancy or following birth. 

3- In addition to a personal or family history of depression and/or anxiety, there are several factors that put a birthing woman at risk for developing a PMAD. A few of these risk factors include complications during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding; a difficult or traumatic birthing experience; infertility; financial stress; relationship stress; a major change (ie, employment, move, divorce, etc); inadequate support when caring for the baby; and a thyroid imbalance. 

4- Non-birthing partners can also experience mood shifts following a new baby. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 10 non-birthing partners develop depression and/or anxiety during the postpartum period. This rate, which is likely under-reported, increases if they have a history of depression or anxiety or when their birthing partner is also diagnosed with a PMAD. 

5- What many women know as the ‘baby blues’ are very common and are different than what we commonly refer to as postpartum depression. Up to 85% of birthing women experience the baby blues within the first 2-4weeks following pregnancy. This often looks like excessive tearfulness, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, and feeling unlike your usual self. Postpartum depression, anxiety, or other PMADs will persist for longer periods and professional treatment is recommended.

While PMADs can be highly disruptive to daily life, if you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety, you are not alone and treatment is possible. Support and care is available. If you would like more information about postpartum depression, anxiety, panic, or PTSD, Postpartum Support International (www.postpartum.net) is a comprehensive and reputable resource. If you are ready to step into your recovery, call our office today to make an appointment. 

Remember, we were never meant to mother alone. Support and community are available to you. Please take a look at our anxiety counseling page to learn more about how we treat anxiety at Relationship Enrichment Center.

Love,  Therese