Common Psychiatric Illnesses During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Maternal Bliss Unraveled?
On September 12th at 6 pm, Klinikum Ingolstadt will host an information evening to discuss psychiatric illnesses that can occur during the perinatal period, a term that encompasses pregnancy and the postpartum phase. These conditions are often grouped under the umbrella term Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs).
1. Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are the most common PMADs. Symptoms include persistent worry, guilt, panic, sadness, hopelessness, changes in appetite, and disturbed sleep. Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and support groups are effective treatments.
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors often related to safety or harm characterize OCD. Treatment options include psychotherapy, such as CBT, and medication.
3. Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Caused by traumatic birth experiences, symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors. Treatment involves trauma-focused therapies and support.
4. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, including mania (elevated mood) and depression. Treatment requires careful management with medication and therapy to stabilize mood.
5. Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe condition involving hallucinations, delusions, or confusion. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate hospitalization and treatment with medication and support.
Therapy and Support Options
- Psychotherapy: CBT and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are beneficial for managing depression and anxiety.
- Medication: Antidepressants and mood stabilizers are used under medical supervision.
- Support Groups: Peer support groups provide emotional support and community.
- Integrated Care: Multidisciplinary approaches involving obstetricians, psychiatrists, and social workers ensure comprehensive care.
Early identification and treatment are crucial for managing these conditions effectively. A comprehensive and nuanced diagnostic approach is necessary to address the varied symptoms and provide appropriate support throughout the perinatal period.
The lecture, entitled "Psychiatric Illnesses During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period," will be presented by Dr. Alla Troppmann, Senior Physician at the Center for Mental Health, Klinikum Ingolstadt. The event is open to patients, relatives, and interested parties, and registration can be done via email at [email protected] or through the Klinikum Ingolstadt website. The event is free and will take place at the Center for Mental Health, Room 2950, near the Emergency Center, in the Klinikum Ingolstadt. This event aims to provide valuable insights and resources for those affected by or interested in psychiatric illnesses around childbirth.
- The lecture at Klinikum Ingolstadt will discuss Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), which encompass anxiety and depression during the perinatal period, that affect both the mental health and health-and-wellness of women.
- Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and support groups can be effective in treating anxiety and depression, two common PMADs that can cause persistent worry, guilt, panic, sadness, hopelessness, changes in appetite, and disturbed sleep.
- The Center for Mental Health at Klinikum Ingolstadt offers therapy and support options for women facing psychiatric illnesses, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can be treated with psychotherapy, medication, and trauma-focused therapies.
