Postpartum OCD: Navigating the Unseen Storm
What is Postpartum OCD?
Once upon a time, in the haze of new motherhood, Sarah found herself overwhelmed by thoughts she couldn't control. Every time she held her precious newborn daughter, instead of feeling joy, she was consumed by a relentless fear that something terrible would happen. Sarah's mind was plagued by intrusive images of accidents and harm befalling her baby. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she was a terrible mother for even entertaining such thoughts. Little did she know, she was not alone in this struggle.
According to recent studies, postpartum OCD affects approximately 3-5% of new mothers, making it one of the most common perinatal mental health disorders. This silent battle often goes unnoticed and undiagnosed, leaving mothers like Sarah feeling isolated and ashamed. However understanding the symptoms, effects, and treatments of postpartum OCD can shed light on this often misunderstood condition.
Symptoms of Postpartum OCD
Postpartum OCD, also known as perinatal OCD, manifests in a variety of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours revolving around the baby. These thoughts can range from fears of accidentally harming the baby to irrational worries about contamination. Mothers with perinatal OCD often experience distressing mental images of their baby in dangerous situations, leading to intense anxiety and guilt. Common compulsions include excessive handwashing, checking on the baby repeatedly, or seeking reassurance from others. These symptoms can significantly interfere with daily functioning and bonding with the newborn.
To learn more about the symptoms of OCD, you can read our blog post “Could my Thoughts be OCD?”
Predisposition Factors
Predisposition factors for perinatal OCD can vary widely among individuals, but several common risk factors have been identified through research. Women with a personal or family history of OCD or other anxiety disorders are at increased risk of developing perinatal OCD. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and the postpartum period can contribute to the onset or exacerbation of OCD symptoms.
A study by Abramowitz et al. (2010) found that women with perinatal OCD often experience heightened levels of stress and uncertainty related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting, which can trigger or worsen obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. Moreover, societal pressures and unrealistic expectations surrounding motherhood may exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and fuel the cycle of anxiety and guilt experienced by mothers with perinatal OCD.
By addressing these predisposition factors and providing targeted support and intervention, healthcare professionals can help mitigate the risk of perinatal OCD and improve outcomes for both mothers and their babies (Abramowitz, J.S., Meltzer-Brody, S., Leserman, J., Killenberg, S., Rinaldi, K., Mahaffey, B.L., & Pedersen, C. (2010). Obsessional thoughts and compulsive behaviours in a sample of women with postpartum mood symptoms. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 71(8), 1078–1084).
Effects of Perinatal OCD
The impact of perinatal OCD extends beyond the individual suffering. It can strain relationships within the family and hinder the mother's ability to care for her baby. Feelings of shame and guilt often accompany these intrusive thoughts, leading many women to suffer in silence rather than seeking help. Left untreated, postpartum OCD can escalate into severe anxiety or depression, exacerbating the emotional toll on both the mother and her family. Recognizing and addressing these effects is crucial for promoting maternal well-being and ensuring the child’s healthy development.
5 Tips for Moms with Perinatal OCD
Practice Self-Compassion: Understand that experiencing intrusive thoughts and compulsions does not make you a bad mother. Be kind to yourself and recognize that perinatal OCD is a treatable mental health condition, not a reflection of your worth as a parent.
Reach Out for Support: Don't hesitate to seek help from healthcare professionals, therapists, or support groups specializing in perinatal mental health and/or OCD. Talking openly about your struggles can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide valuable guidance and validation.
Prioritize Self-Care: Remember to prioritize your well-being amidst the demands of motherhood. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether taking a walk, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in a favourite hobby.
Create a Supportive Environment: Surround yourself with understanding and supportive individuals who can offer practical assistance and emotional encouragement. Communicate your needs openly with your partner, family members, and friends, and don't hesitate to delegate tasks when necessary.
Stay Consistent with Treatment: If you're undergoing therapy or medication for perinatal OCD, stay committed to your treatment plan. Consistency is key to achieving positive outcomes, so attend therapy sessions regularly, adhere to prescribed medications, and actively engage in self-help strategies recommended by your healthcare provider. If you do not see progress after 6-8 weeks, we would recommend finding an OCD specialist who offers exposure and response prevention (ERP).
By implementing these tips and embracing a holistic approach to self-care and treatment, mothers with perinatal OCD can navigate the challenges of motherhood with greater resilience and confidence, paving the way for a healthier and happier postpartum experience.
Treatments for Postpartum OCD
Fortunately, there is hope for mothers like Sarah struggling with postpartum OCD. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists specializing in perinatal mental health, is the first step toward recovery.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBThas shown promising results in treating perinatal OCD by helping mothers challenge and reframe their intrusive thoughts. Medication may sometimes be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and provide relief. Additionally, joining support groups or connecting with other mothers who have experienced similar struggles can offer valuable emotional support and validation.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
ERP therapy is a specialized form of CBT that has shown promising results in treating perinatal and postpartum OCD. In ERP, mothers gradually confront their fears and intrusive thoughts in a controlled environment while refraining from engaging in compulsive behaviours. By exposing themselves to their triggers and learning to tolerate the resulting anxiety without resorting to rituals, mothers can gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of their obsessive thoughts.
ERP empowers women to regain control over their lives and build resilience against future episodes of postpartum OCD. Working closely with a trained therapist, mothers can develop personalized coping strategies and skills to navigate the challenges of motherhood with confidence and resilience.
Connect with a Virtual Therapist for Postpartum OCD
Postpartum OCD is a challenging but treatable condition that affects a significant number of new mothers. By raising awareness and understanding the symptoms, effects, and available treatment, we can break the stigma surrounding perinatal mental health. This can ensure that mothers like Sarah receive the support and compassion they deserve on their journey to recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum OCD, remember that help is available, and you are not alone.
At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we have a variety of therapists who offer CBT and ERP for moms experiencing postpartum and perinatal OCD. You can book a free consultation by clicking the tab below. * Must be an Ontario resident.
