Although the term “Postpartum Depression” is often used, there is actually a spectrum of disorders that can affect mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. These include:

• Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: This is the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed of the perinatal disorders. It is estimated that as many as 11% of new mothers will be affected. See link for details.

• Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: An estimated 9% of women experience PTSD following childbirth.

• Perinatal Bipolar Disorder: 22% of depressed postpartum women are suffering from a bipolar depression.

• Postpartum Psychosis: occurs in approximately 1 to 2 of every 1,000 deliveries. The onset is usually sudden, most within the first 4 weeks, with symptoms including: delusions (strange beliefs) and/or hallucinations, feeling very irritated, hyperactive, decreased need for sleep, and significant mood changes with poor decision-making. There is a 5% suicide rate and 4% infanticide rate associated with Psychosis and thus immediate treatment is imperative.

Source + More: Postpartum Support International