The occurrence of panic and obsessive compulsive symptoms in women with postpartum dysphoria: a prospective study

Summary

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of panic and obsessive compulsive symptoms in a sample of postpartum women who endorsed high levels of dysphoria on a self-report depression measure.

Method: A community-based sample of 788 postpartum women with self-reported depressive symptomatology completed an interview assessing major depression, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Results: An estimated 11% of the sample reported difficulties with panic attacks, 8% reported difficulties with obsessions, and 9% reported difficulties with compulsions. The most common panic symptoms included heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, and parasthesis. The most common content areas of obsessive compulsive symptoms were concerns about imminent disaster, compulsive cleaning behavior, and compulsive checking behavior, which were often related to fears concerning the newborn child. Comorbid depression and panic disorder was diagnosed in 1% of this sample, and comorbid depression and obsessive compulsive disorder was diagnosed in 2.4% of this sample.

Conclusion: Postpartum panic and obsessive compulsive symptoms are common experiences that should be considered in treatment planning for women reporting dysphoria after they give birth.