Obsessive Compulsive Postpartum Disorder – Parenthood
As the name suggests, postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder is a collection of thoughts and behaviors that occur in women after childbirth.
As in all other obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), a woman’s life is affected daily, in several areas.
Causes
There is no consensus on the causes of postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, however, some experts believe that the hormonal and physical changes that occur after childbirth may favor the emergence of these disorders.
Like many other disorders, it is believed that the causes of postpartum OCD may be a combination of environmental, genetic and biological factors. On the other hand, it is suspected that there are certain factors that predispose people to develop postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Risk factors
- Family history of OCD
- Mood disorders: stress, anxiety, depression, etc.
- Traumatic or very stressful events.
- Difficulties during childbirth and lack of postpartum relief.
Incidence of postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder
It is estimated that about 3% of new mothers develop postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder. On the other hand, those who have already been diagnosed with anxiety or depression are also prone to developing it.
In general, women who experience postpartum OCD often confuse it with postpartum depression. This is why the disorder is often ignored and hence it is not possible to accurately quantify the frequency of the presence of the disorder in women.
It should be noted that not all cases of postpartum OCD are the same. In some women they can occur in a mild way and in others they can manifest in a much more extreme way.
Prevention
How to prevent postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder is not yet known. However, one can suspect that a healthy lifestyle and good personal care (especially mental) will significantly promote women’s health.
Once the diagnosis has been obtained from a professional, it is important to carry out its indications. In this way, the treatment can have satisfactory results and allow early improvement.
Signs of postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder
Any concerns that involve caring for the baby that are taken to the extreme are signs of trouble. Therefore, exaggerated behaviors of overprotection, excessive cleaning, among others, can develop.
- Insomnia
- Lack of rest (to take care of the baby)
- Excessive overprotection. For example, the woman always wants to carry the baby in her arms for fear that anything could happen to her.
- Repetitive rituals and behaviors, such as: checking the contents of your wallet at any time, sterilizing the bottle more times than necessary, cleaning the same place or the same objects several times.
- Accumulate things. It gives the mother the feeling of peace of mind knowing that she won’t lose her things or that she will always have what she needs.
- Perfectionism. Constant distress from the thought that if everything is not perfect, the baby may be hurt.
- Avoid dangerous behavior: never want to pick up knives or sharp objects, stop using products for fear of toxins, etc.
The presence of these signs can lead to a decline in the quality of life of women. His routine is hampered by the actions he takes to thwart it and his interpersonal relationships are seriously affected.
Treatment of postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder
Support from loved ones is key when looking for solutions. In addition, we recommend delegating some responsibilities to someone so that the mom can rest and break away from the routine. It can go for small actions.
For example, get the baby’s grandmother to help you. So the mother can rest quietly while someone takes care of the baby.
Of course, it is not easy for the woman with postpartum OCD to delegate tasks around the baby, so you have to be patient but firm.
Regular help from a professional psychologist can help gradually overcome postpartum OCD. Therefore, once treatment has started, it is important to be consistent when applying recommendations and guidelines.
