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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum: prevalence, stability, predictors, and
Sandra Nakić Radoš1, Maja Brekalo2, Marijana Matijaš2,3
1Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 244, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia. snrados@unicath.hr.
Insights
Peripartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects one in six women, often co-occurring with depression. Neuroticism and anxiety sensitivity predict OCD symptoms, while resilience offers protection during pregnancy and postpartum.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Pregnancy and postpartum are critical periods for the onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Existing research highlights the vulnerability of new parents to mental health challenges.
- Understanding the prevalence and predictors of peripartum OCD is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and course of OCD symptoms during the peripartum period.
- To assess the comorbidity of OCD symptoms with depressive symptoms.
- To identify sociodemographic, obstetric, and individual predictors of peripartum OCD.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study followed 397 women from pregnancy (T1) to 6-12 weeks postpartum (T2).
- Validated instruments including the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) were used.
- Assessments included the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), Emotional Stability (IPIP-50), and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS).
Main Results:
- The prevalence of OCD symptoms was 15.1% in pregnancy and 15.1% postpartum, with 9.8% experiencing symptoms at both times.
- A significant decrease in OCD symptom severity was observed after childbirth.
- Higher neuroticism and anxiety sensitivity predicted increased OCD symptoms, while resilience predicted lower symptoms at T1.
Conclusions:
- Approximately one in six women experience OCD symptoms in the peripartum period.
- Significant comorbidity exists between peripartum OCD and depressive symptoms.
- Neuroticism and anxiety sensitivity are risk factors, whereas resilience is a protective factor against peripartum OCD.
Background:
Pregnancy and postpartum are considered vulnerable periods for new parents to develop obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The aim of this study was threefold: (1) to establish the prevalence of OCD symptoms and its course in the peripartum period; (2) to examine comorbidity with depressive symptoms; and (3) to investigate which sociodemographic, obstetric, and individual characteristics are predictors of OCD symptoms.
Methods:
A longitudinal study included 397 women during pregnancy (T1) and 6-12 weeks postpartum (T2). Participants filled out the obstetrical and demographic sheet, Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), Emotional Stability subscale from the International Personality Item Pool-50 (IPIP-50), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) all at T1, and Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) at T1 and T2.
Results:
In this sample, 15.1% of women reported OCD symptoms during pregnancy and 15.1% in the postpartum, with 9.8% of women who had symptoms at both time points. However, the majority of women experienced symptoms of mild severity, according to the Y-BOCS. Of the women experiencing OCD symptoms, 33% and 43% had comorbid depressive symptoms in pregnancy and the postpartum period, respectively. The level of OCD symptoms significantly decreased after childbirth. None of the sociodemographic or obstetric variables were a significant predictor of OCD symptoms during pregnancy or postpartum. After controlling for current depression symptoms, higher psychological concerns of anxiety sensitivity (but not physical and social concerns) and higher neuroticism were significant predictors of higher levels of OCD symptoms both at T1 and T2. At the same time, higher resilience was a significant predictor of lower levels of OCD symptoms only at T1.
Conclusion:
One in six women has OCD symptoms in the peripartum period, with substantial comorbidity with depression symptoms. Women who are high on neuroticism and anxiety sensitivity are prone to OCD symptoms, while resilience is a significant protective factor.
Clinical Trial Number:
Not applicable.
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