Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are a group of mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. These disorders go beyond the typical "baby blues" and can significantly impact a woman's ability to function and care for herself and her baby.
List of PMADs:
1. Perinatal Depression
2. Perinatal Anxiety
3. Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
4. Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
5. Perinatal Bipolar Disorder
6. Perinatal Psychosis
How are PMADs tested?
PMADs are typically diagnosed through a combination of screening tools, clinical interviews, and physical exams. Here's the general process:
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS):
The EPDS is one of the most widely used screening tools for perinatal depression. It's a 10-question self-report scale that assesses a woman's mood over the past seven days. Here's what you need to know:
- It takes about 5 minutes to complete.
- Each question is scored from 0-3, with a total possible score of 30.
- A score of 10 or higher may indicate possible depression.
- A score of 13 or higher suggests a high likelihood of depression.
- Any non-zero score on question 10 (about self-harm) requires immediate attention.
It's important to note that the EPDS is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. A high score should lead to further evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Using Apps like Motherocity:
Apps like Motherocity can be valuable tools for tracking mental health during the perinatal period. Here's how they can help:
Remember, while these apps can be helpful tools, they should not replace professional medical advice or treatment.
Reasons for PMADs:
PMADs are complex disorders with multiple contributing factors. Some reasons include:
PMADs are serious but treatable conditions. If you're experiencing symptoms, reach out to a healthcare provider or have your supporters follows the plans in your Postpartum Plan to get you support immediately. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. With proper support and treatment, recovery is possible.