Post Partum Anxiety

What Anxiety Disorders are Common in the Postpartum Period?

Women with postpartum anxiety disorders experience a spectrum of problems that range in severity from adjustment disorder to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to obsessive-compulsive disorder to panic disorder.

It's important to note, however, that these anxiety disorders are not unique to the postpartum period. In fact, anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychiatric problems seen by mental health and family practice professionals. Studies show that more women than men suffer anxiety disorders. About 10 percent of women in the United States will have an anxiety disorder sometime in their lives, while 5 percent of men will experience these problems.

Adjustment disorder is a reaction to an external stress beyond what is considered typical. It is usually time-limited and responds well to minimal intervention. Many people have difficulty accommodating to changes in their lives such as divorce, job loss, retirement, or other crises.

Twenty-nine-year-old Darla's story is typical of a problem called adjustment disorder. Although it is not specifically an anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder is included in this section because anxiety is such a common feature. However, symptoms of depression may be present also.

After my son was born, I felt "revved up" and could not sit down and relax for a minute. I felt like there was a motor inside that would not shut off. I just thought it was the excitement of having the baby we had wanted for so long. When I got home from the hospital, I couldn't sleep at all. I got so tired and irritable that when he cried I wanted to yell, "Shut up!" This only made me feel worse. I was worried I was not going to be able to handle being a mother. I found myself avoiding taking care of my baby. It took me almost two weeks before I could enjoy him.

Darla was referred to a therapist who helped her learn to relax and to not worry so much about minor problems like diaper rash. Darla tended to "catastrophize." Small events took on life-and-death proportions in her thinking. Darla learned to observe herself catastrophizing and to be more objective in her assessment of situations. After several sessions with the therapist, Darla was less anxious, was beginning to enjoy the baby, and was able to sleep when the baby slept.

Are You Having Any of These Symptoms?

Are you so anxious that you cannot adquately care for your baby?
Are you afraid of hurting yourself or the baby to the extent that you are not sure that you can stop yourself?
Are your compulsive behaviors harmful to the baby?
Are you so anxious that you cannot eat or sleep?
If so, consult a mental health professional and tell him/her that you require immediate attention.

Taken from http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Anxiety/women_14.asp