When we hear “postpartum” it is usually followed by “depression”. While the postpartum period IS often associated with depression, other disorders are overlooked. Outside the scope of obsessions harming infants, the effects of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have limited investigation into pregnancy and the postpartum period. This is concerning for two reasons. One, research shows that obsessive compulsive symptoms (OCSs) can be as severely debilitating as other disorders, including schizophrenia. Two, clinical research reflects psychological disorders, commonly depression, cause poor infant outcomes. It is alarming OCD is often overlooked due to the potential impact on infant outcomes. Pregnancy and parenthood constitute major events that create major life obstacles. Studies show these periods can create a greater risk of causing and increasing the severity of OCSs. OCSs are associated with the overall well-being of the infant (House et al., 2015).
House et al. (2015) examined if preexisting OCSs increased throughout the perinatal period. Researchers followed 56 women diagnosed with OCD over a period of 52 weeks postpartum. The study relied on assessment measures for OCD and follow-up with clinicians. Researchers found the severity of OCSs did not increase or fluctuate throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period, unlike other disorders. Maternity age and delivery method were both associated with predictors of increased OCSs. Women who gave birth having a cesarean section showed an increase in OCSs postpartum, and younger woman were associated more with OCSs. Future studies would replicate this data and include comorbid disorders.
By Perry Leynor, MA, LPC-A – Behavior Therapist with Better Living Center for Behavioral Health
House SJ., Tripathi SP., Knight BT., Morris N., Newport DJ., Stowe ZN. (2015). Obsessive-compulsive disorder in pregnancy and the postpartum period: Course of illness and obstetrical outcome. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26173597/
