PSI Perinatal Mental Health Certification Exam – Q&A
Theories of etiology Right Ans - biological sensitivities to hormone changes
(sleep), genetic vulnerability (prior diagnosis), psychological (identity),
social/environmental (poor social support/racism)
Baby Blues Right 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 Right Ans - severity, intensity,
duration of symptoms
Prevalence of postpartum anxiety Right Ans - 8-20%
Prevalence of prenatal anxiety Right Ans - 15%
Prevalence of postpartum depression Right Ans - 21%
Prevalence of postpartum panic disorder Right Ans - 11%
Prevalence of postpartum OCD Right Ans - 11%
Prevalence of postpartum PTSD Right Ans - 9%
Percentage of bipolar symptoms that relapse w/o meds Right Ans - 70%
Prevalence of postpartum psychosis Right Ans - 1-2 out of 1,000
Prevalence of PPD in fathers Right Ans - 10%
Prevalence psychosis in women with known bipolar disorder Right Ans -
20-30%
Traits of OCD Right 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 Right 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 Right Ans - intrusive thoughts (flashbacks), avoidance,
negative cognitions and mood, arousal (sleep disturbance, poor concentration,
aggression, hyper vigilance)
maternal mortality-all women Right Ans - 1,200 a year or 14.4 per 100,000
maternal mortality-black women Right Ans - 43.5 per 100,000
Bipolar 1 Disorder Right Ans - a type of bipolar disorder marked by at least
one lifetime full manic and major depressive episodes
Hypomania Right Ans - A mild manic state in which the individual seems
infectiously merry, extremely talkative, charming, and tireless. up to 4 days in
length
mania Right 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 Right Ans -
50%
Risk factors for postpartum psychosis Right Ans - History of bipolar or
psychotic disorder, first pregnancy, family history, recent discontinuation of
psychotropic medication
Postpartum psychosis symptoms Right 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 Right Ans - stay on bipolar
medication, treat immediately in women with history of psychosis and
bipolar, good sleep is essential