PSI Perinatal Mental Health Certification
Exam
Theories of etiology -C0RRECT ANS biological sensitivities to hormone changes (sleep), genetic
vulnerability (prior diagnosis), psychological (identity), social/environmental (poor social
support/racism)
Baby Blues -C0RRECT ANS Affects 60-80% new mothers. Due to hormone changes and sleep deprivation.
lasts 2 days to 2 weeks. Tearful, labile affect, reactivity, exhaustion BUT predominately happy, self-
esteem remains unchanged. Resolves without intervention. Recommend self care strategies.
How to determine is it blues or depression -C0RRECT ANS severity, intensity, duration of symptoms
Prevalence of postpartum anxiety -C0RRECT ANS 8-20%
Prevalence of prenatal anxiety -C0RRECT ANS 15%
Prevalence of postpartum depression -C0RRECT ANS 21%
Prevalence of postpartum panic disorder -C0RRECT ANS 11%
Prevalence of postpartum OCD -C0RRECT ANS 11%
Prevalence of postpartum PTSD -C0RRECT ANS 9%
Percentage of bipolar symptoms that relapse w/o meds -C0RRECT ANS 70%
Prevalence of postpartum psychosis -C0RRECT ANS 1-2 out of 1,000
,Prevalence of PPD in fathers -C0RRECT ANS 10%
Prevalence psychosis in women with known bipolar disorder -C0RRECT ANS 20-30%
Traits of OCD -C0RRECT ANS recognizes that thoughts are unhealthy, extreme anxiety related to
thoughts/images, concerned about "snapping". parent does not want to harm the baby, thoughts are
frightening.
Traits of psychosis -C0RRECT ANS does not recognize actions/thoughts are unhealthy, may seem to have
less anxiety when indulging in thoughts/behaviors, no insight about distortion of thoughts, parent has
delusional beliefs about the baby, thoughts of harming the baby are ego-syntonic
Traits of PTSD -C0RRECT ANS intrusive thoughts (flashbacks), avoidance, negative cognitions and mood,
arousal (sleep disturbance, poor concentration, aggression, hyper vigilance)
maternal mortality-all women -C0RRECT ANS 1,200 a year or 14.4 per 100,000
maternal mortality-black women -C0RRECT ANS 43.5 per 100,000
Bipolar 1 Disorder -C0RRECT ANS a type of bipolar disorder marked by at least one lifetime full manic
and major depressive episodes
Hypomania -C0RRECT ANS A mild manic state in which the individual seems infectiously merry,
extremely talkative, charming, and tireless. up to 4 days in length
mania -C0RRECT ANS a mood disorder marked by a hyperactive, wildly optimistic state-function is
impaired. can last 7 days
, prevalence of first diagnosis of bipolar disorder postpartum -C0RRECT ANS 50%
Risk factors for postpartum psychosis -C0RRECT ANS History of bipolar or psychotic disorder, first
pregnancy, family history, recent discontinuation of psychotropic medication
Postpartum psychosis symptoms -C0RRECT ANS onset-2 weeks postpartum, poor concentration,
disorientation, agitation, aloof, lack of self care, elated/labile mood, rambling speech, thought
broadcasting/delusion of grandiosity, disorganized thoughts, flight of ideas, hallucinations
reducing risk of postpartum psychosis -C0RRECT ANS stay on bipolar medication, treat immediately in
women with history of psychosis and bipolar, good sleep is essential
Evidence based risk factors for PMADS -C0RRECT ANS previous PMADS (family history, personal history,
symptoms during pregnancy), history of mood/anxiety disorders (personal or family history of
depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, bipolar disorders), significant mood reactions of hormonal
changes (puberty, PMS, hormonal birth control)
More evidence based risk factors for PMADS -C0RRECT ANS endocrine dysfunction (diabetes, thyroid
imbalance, fertility challenges), social factors (IPV, low support, financial stress, racism), high stress
parenting (military families, adolescent parents, parents of multiples, single parents)
Exacerbating factors of postpartum depression -C0RRECT ANS pain, lack of sleep, abrupt discontinuing
of breast feeding, childcare stress, relationship stress, losses, history of childhood sexual abuse,
complicated pregnancy, health changes in baby or parents, temperament of baby, climate stressors:
seasonal depression or mania, perfectionism/high expectations, unresolved grief or attachment with
mother, returning to work
Substance Use in Pregnancy -C0RRECT ANS 5.4% all women use illicit drugs during pregnancy, 14.6% of
adolescent moms