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Related Experiment Videos

Postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder: a case series

D A Sichel1, L S Cohen, J A Dimmock

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.

The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|April 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary
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New-onset obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can emerge during the puerperium, presenting with intrusive thoughts about harming infants. Early recognition and treatment with selective serotonin reuptuptake inhibitors are crucial for maternal and infant well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Obstetrics
  • Perinatal Mental Health

Background:

  • The puerperium is a high-risk period for psychiatric illness.
  • Postpartum depression is well-documented, but obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) during pregnancy and postpartum is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate new-onset obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) during the puerperium.
  • To describe the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of women with postpartum OCD.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 15 women meeting DSM-III-R criteria for OCD during the puerperium.
  • Evaluation of clinical features, pharmacotherapy, and 1-year follow-up status.

Main Results:

  • A characteristic symptom pattern of intrusive thoughts of infant harm was observed.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Obsessive rituals were not present in this cohort.
  • Secondary depression was common, and patients showed high responsiveness to serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

    • Conclusions:

    • The puerperium is a significant risk period for new-onset OCD.
    • Clinicians must be aware of postpartum OCD's impact on maternal and infant well-being.
    • SSRI treatment appears effective for this condition.