A Case of Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in a First-Time Father

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Perinatal Mental Health
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Background:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a recognized psychiatric condition.
• The perinatal period is a known trigger for OCD in women.
• Less attention has been given to OCD occurrence in new fathers.

Observation:

• A case report of a 33-year-old first-time father with postpartum-onset OCD (ppOCD).
• Presented eight months after childbirth with distressing, ego-dystonic intrusive thoughts of harming his infant daughter.
• Experienced severe depression, weight loss, and functional impairment.

Findings:

• The patient received psychiatric admission and pharmacological treatment with escitalopram and aripiprazole.
• Significant symptom improvement was reported within one month post-discharge.
• Symptoms were well-controlled after two months, with successful tapering of aripiprazole.

Implications:

• Highlights the need for increased awareness and screening for ppOCD in men.
• Suggests utilizing existing OCD screening tools and treatments for fathers.
• Emphasizes the importance of further research into male ppOCD prevalence and management.