We are a fully TeleHealth practice. Please contact us to become a new client by calling 413-203-1300.
PMADS
You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.
PMADS (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) are a spectrum of postpartum mood disorders including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and postpartum psychosis.
1 in 5
It is estimated that 1 in 5 women, worldwide, experience some type of PMAD
1 in 10
1 in 10 dads are estimated to develop depression during the postpartum period
50%
Up to 50% of mothers do not seek mental health treatment
Long term effects
Without treatment, poor maternal mental health may have long term and negative consequences for mother/ birth giver, father/ non-gestational parent, the child and the family as a whole.
When symptoms
may begin
Symptoms can develop during pregnancy or the first few days after childbirth, but can also develop even months after childbirth
How do symptoms resolve?
Research shows that symptoms do not usually resolve without treatment
Postpartum Depression & Postpartum Anxiety Symptoms Include:
-
Anxiety or panic attacks
-
Persistent sadness
-
Changes in sleeping or eating
-
Chronic fatigue
-
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
-
Issues with concentration or decision-making
-
Separation anxiety
-
Excessive worry
-
Irritable Mood or mood swings
-
Feelings of guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, or feeling “overwhelmed”
-
Avoidance behaviors
​Postpartum OCD is estimated to affect 11% of new mothers, however, this percentage may be higher due to the limited education around experience surrounding assessment and treatment of the disorder.
​
-
Obsessions (Intrusive thoughts or mental images typically related to the baby)
-
Compulsions (Behaviors performed to reduce the frequency and intensity of the obsessions)
-
Mothers are highly unlikely to act on these obsessions and typically present with a fear and disgust about the obsessions
Postpartum OCD symptoms include:
"You helped me find my way back from a very dark place and helped me to find the light again and again, to recognize it and keep moving towards it."
-L.K. 2021
Postpartum PTSD symptoms include:
Postpartum PTSD is estimated to affect 9% of women due to traumatic childbirth.
​
-
Reliving of trauma via dreams/nightmares or flashbacks
-
Avoidance of thoughts, feelings, people, or any associated stimuli related to trauma
-
Persistent increased arousal, including hyper-vigilance, irritability, sleep issues, and/or exaggerated startle response
Perinatal Bipolar Disorder
22%
It is estimated that 22% of women with postpartum depression are actually suffering from postpartum bipolar disorder
70%
More than 70% of women with bipolar disorder will become ill during pregnancy when stopping their medication
Half of all women who get diagnosed with Bipolar disorder do so in their postpartum year.
1/2
"To me the meetings always felt like a safe haven where I could be honest and really express emotions without feeling judged. I highly recommend [Lauren Harris] to anyone who could use some help with postpartum issues!"
-D. 2019
Postpartum Psychosis happens in 1-2 out of every
1,000 deliveries.
​
-
Delusions (strange beliefs)
-
Hallucinations
-
Significant mood changes including irritability, hyperactivity, and decreased need for sleep
-
Treatment is crucial: 5% suicide rate and 4% infanticide rate associated with psychosis
-
Postpartum Psychosis is a Mental Health Emergency
Postpartum psychosis symptoms include:
Please remember:
“You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.”
Parental Stress Line
1-800-632-8188
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-8255
Psychiatric Crisis Services (Home based visits available)
Hampden County and surrounding communities, including Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke:
(413) 733-6661
Franklin County Crisis Services:
(413) 774-5411
(800) 562-0112
Crisis Services of Hampshire County:
(413) 586-5555
Westfield Crisis, West Springfield, Agawam, Westfield, Hilltowns: (413) 568-6386