Becoming a parent is a momentous and transformative experience. The birth of a child can fill your life with joy, excitement, and love, but it can also bring about a range of new challenges and emotions. While many new parents are prepared for the sleepless nights, diaper changes, and endless feedings, there are some aspects of postpartum life that are less commonly discussed. One such aspect is postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition that can affect both new mothers and fathers. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore postpartum OCD, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Table of Contents
What is Postpartum OCD?
Postpartum OCD, often abbreviated as PPOCD, is a subset of obsessive-compulsive disorder that specifically occurs in the postpartum period as well as during pregnancy. While many people are familiar with the term “postpartum depression,” postpartum OCD is a distinct condition with its own set of symptoms and challenges.
Symptoms of Postpartum OCD
Postpartum OCD is characterized by the presence of intrusive and distressing thoughts, often called obsessions, and the urge to engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts, known as compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions are typically related to the baby or the baby’s care. Some common symptoms of postpartum OCD include:
Intrusive Thoughts: These are disturbing and unwanted thoughts or mental images that often involve harm coming to the baby. For example, a mother with postpartum OCD might have thoughts of dropping the baby down the stairs or accidentally suffocating the baby with a pillow
Excessive Worry: New parents often worry about their baby’s well-being, but in postpartum OCD, the worry becomes extreme and persistent. Parents with PPOCD may constantly check on the baby, even when there is no apparent danger.
Compulsive Behaviors: To alleviate the anxiety caused by their intrusive thoughts, individuals with postpartum OCD may engage in repetitive behaviors. This can include excessive handwashing, cleaning, or rearranging the baby’s room.
Avoidance: Some parents with PPOCD may avoid situations that trigger their obsessions, such as avoiding holding the baby or refusing to be alone with the baby.
Feelings of Guilt & Shame: Individuals with postpartum OCD often feel guilty and ashamed of their intrusive thoughts and compulsions. They may fear being judged by others and may hesitate to seek help.
It’s important to note that these symptoms are distressing and unwanted. Parents with postpartum OCD do not act on their intrusive thoughts and are deeply troubled by them. The condition is not a reflection of a parent’s desire or intention to harm their child.
Is Postpartum OCD different from traditional OCD?
Postpartum OCD shares fundamental similarities with regular OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) in that both conditions involve the presence of distressing obsessions and the performance of compulsive behaviors. These obsessions are intrusive, persistent thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant distress. The key similarity lies in the compulsions – repetitive behaviors or mental acts that individuals engage in to alleviate the anxiety or discomfort caused by their obsessions.
In postpartum OCD, these obsessions and compulsions often revolve around the well-being of the newborn or parenting tasks. However, the distinct aspect of postpartum OCD is that these symptoms specifically emerge or intensify during the postnatal period, typically within the first few weeks or months after childbirth, making it a unique subset of OCD.
Risk Factors for Postpartum OCD
Personal or Family History of OCD: If you or a close family member has a history of OCD, you may be at a higher risk of developing postpartum OCD.
Generalized Anxiety: Women with a pre-existing tendency towards high anxiety levels may be more susceptible to postpartum OCD.
Traumatic Birth or Complications: Difficult or traumatic childbirth experiences can trigger postpartum OCD in some individuals.
Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and after childbirth can influence the development of OCD symptoms.
Lack of Social Support: Insufficient support from family or friends can contribute to heightened stress and increase the risk of postpartum OCD.
Perfectionism: Striving for perfection in parenting and unrealistic expectations can exacerbate OCD symptoms.
Sleep Deprivation: The sleep disruptions common in the early postpartum period can exacerbate OCD symptoms.
Stressful Life Events: Any additional life stressors, such as financial difficulties or relationship issues, can contribute to the development of postpartum OCD.
First-time mothers may be more susceptible, possibly due to the novel challenges of motherhood.
Diagnosis of Postpartum OCD
Diagnosing postpartum OCD involves a comprehensive assessment conducted by a mental health professional. At the Houston Center for Valued Living, you will have a one-on-one session with your therapist to undergo an initial diagnostic evaluation. We understand that discussing intrusive or distressing thoughts can be challenging, often marking the first time individuals have shared such thoughts with another person. Please rest assured that we neither judge you nor your thoughts.
One of the standard assessment tools we employ is the YBOCS (The Young Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale), which aids in determining the presence and intensity of obsessions and compulsions. Additionally, we will assess for the potential presence of other conditions, including depression, PTSD, or generalized anxiety. Many individuals find relief in being able to share and openly discuss their intrusive thoughts, gaining a better understanding of their experiences in the process.
Treatment Options for Postpartum OCD
Postpartum OCD is a treatable condition, and many individuals experience significant relief with the right interventions. Treatment options for postpartum OCD include:
Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP), is the most effective form of psychotherapy for postpartum OCD. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge their intrusive thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of postpartum OCD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the first-line choice, as they can help reduce the intensity of intrusive thoughts and compulsions.
Support Groups: Joining a postpartum OCD support group or connecting with other parents who have experienced similar challenges can be highly beneficial. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. At The Houston Center for Valued Living we offer a free online OCD Support Group as well as a Postpartum Support Group.
Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, can have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being.
Education and Awareness: Learning more about postpartum OCD and its treatment options can empower individuals and their families to seek help early and reduce the stigma associated with the condition. At The Houston Center for Valued Living we will provide education to you about your symptoms and experiences so that you can better understand how treatment can help.
Seeking Help for Postpartum OCD
At The Houston Center for Valued Living, we offer both outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment for postpartum OCD. At the outpatient level, you can meet with your therapist once or twice weekly. Telehealth (online therapy) sessions are available or you can come to the office. You are welcome to bring your baby with you. Feeding your baby during your therapy session is always welcome.
For individuals requiring a higher level of care, we offer an individualized intensive outpatient program (IOP) for OCD, including postpartum OCD. In our intensive treatment for OCD, you meet one on one with your therapist for 3 hours per day, 3-5 days per week. Sessions can be conducted at the office, via telehealth, or on site at your home with your therapist. For more information, visit our intensive treatment program for OCD.
In Conclusion
When you’ve been looking forward to becoming a parent, it can be devastating to feel that your joy is being stolen by the symptoms of OCD. With the right support and resources, parents can overcome the challenges of this condition and enjoy the precious moments of parenthood to the fullest. If you’re interested in discovering how therapy can make a difference, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at info@hcfvl.com
Contact info@hcfvl.com or call 713-331-5538 for more information.
At the Houston Center for Valued Living, we offer therapy in Houston for a variety of life’s challenges. Our team of compassionate therapists offer a variety of therapeutic specialties including:
- OCD
- Intensive Treatment for OCD
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Reproductive Mental Health
- Children
- Parenting
- Adolescents & Teens
- Trauma/PTSD
- Body focused repetitive behaviors
We are located at 4203 Montrose Blvd in Houston, Texas 77006. You can reach us at 713-331-5538 or info@hcfvl.com