Postpartum OCD Could Be a Real Thing
As a new mom, you want to do everything perfectly. But a new study shows that there may be a fine line between simply being a worrisome mother and having a serious medical condition. This research, conducted by Northwestern University, revealed that many new moms are suffering from what is now being called postpartum obsessive-compulsive-disorder (OCD).
Roughly three percent of Americans have OCD, but if you look at just new moms, that number climbs to 11 percent. About half of these women reported that their symptoms disappeared after six months, while others eventually developed OCD.
Symptoms of postpartum OCD include:
- Obsession with cleanliness or the child’s safety
- Checking and rechecking tasks
- Excessive cleaning or washing
- Crying for no reason
- Irritability
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Feelings of mania or paranoia
- Recurring thoughts of harming the child
These symptoms often manifest themselves in excessive fear of dropping your child, repetitive behavior or obsessive thoughts about your child’s safety and/or cleanliness.
It is not uncommon for new moms to experience postpartum depression or feelings of sadness, anxiety and fear after giving birth. Many experts believe that postpartum OCD is an undiagnosed mental illness similar to the more commonly known postpartum depression. Worrying is a part of motherhood, but when these misgivings interfere with a mother's ability to care for her child, it becomes a serious issue.
These types of illnesses are particularly important to pay close attention to, as they can develop into what is called postpartum psychosis (often developed from severe cases of postpartum depression). In these very serious instances new mothers can experience bouts of paranoia and hallucinations and may be a physical threat to their children.
Don't think that you're the only mom having less-than-sunny thoughts. Approximately 80 percent of women experience what are called the “Baby Blues” – feelings of sadness that often occur from a drop in hormones post pregnancy.
Do not hesitate to seek help if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, however mild.