Postpartum or Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are health conditions that can occur from pregnancy to well after birth. PMAD symptoms can impact birthing parents as well as in pregnancy loss and infant loss. PMADs are treatable, often with a combination of therapy and medication. Therapy has a variety of options, such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, and IPT to help manage symptoms, develop coping skills, and achieve goals. We often incorporate case management, medical evaluations, support groups, and holistic wellness to provide comprehensive treatment.

Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)

Postpartum anxiety is excessive worrying that occurs after childbirth or adoption. Symptoms can occur on their own or alongside postpartum depression, and the most common include: persistent worrying, catastrophizing, sleep and appetite changes, distressing thoughts, difficulty sitting still, hot flashes, nausea, and dizziness.

Postpartum or Peripartum Depression (PPD)

This is the most common mental health risk during and after pregnancy. Symptoms may include: irritability, anger, sleep and appetite changes, sadness, guilt, shame, loss of interest, difficulty with bonding, and thoughts of harm.

Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (P-OCD)

Postpartum OCD is characterized by persistent intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses that are related to harm coming to the baby, or compulsive repetitive behaviors intended to prevent harm from happening. Symptoms include: obsessions, compulsions, hypervigilance, avoidance, guilt, shame, panic, and overprotectiveness.

Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (P-PTSD)

P-PTSD may develop after a traumatic experience such as complicated delivery, emergency c-section, a baby in the NICU, breastfeeding issues, stillbirth or child loss. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance of anything related to the childbirth experience, negative changes in mood or emotions, dissociation, hypervigilance or an exaggerated startle response.