Obsessive-compulsive Disorder Among New Mothers
Obsessive-compulsive disorder among new mothers, or Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (POCD), as the name suggests, is a set of thoughts and behaviors that a woman may experience after giving birth.
As is the case for all obsessive-compulsive disorders, the new mother’s daily life is affected in several areas.
Causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder in new mothers
There is no consensus on the causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder, but some specialists believe that the hormonal and physical changes that occur after birth can trigger this condition.
Women with obsessive-compulsive disorder acquire repetitive (compulsive) behaviors from irrational thoughts that cause great discomfort (obsessive thoughts).
Like many other conditions, the causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder are considered to be a set of environmental factors as well as genetic and biological factors. On the other hand, certain factors are suspected to make some people more susceptible to developing obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Risk factors
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder run in the family
- Affective disorders: stress, anxiety, depression, etc.
- Traumatic or very stressful events
- Difficulties in childbirth and lack of care after childbirth
Prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder
It is estimated that about 3% of new mothers develop obsessive-compulsive disorder. Those who have previously been diagnosed with anxiety or depression are also more likely to develop this syndrome.
It is common to confuse women with obsessive-compulsive disorder with those with postpartum depression. Therefore, the disturbance is often not noticed and it is not possible to quantify exactly how common it really is.
It should be noted that not all cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder are the same. In some women it can occur in a mild way, and in others it can manifest in a much more extreme way.
Prevention
How to prevent obsessive-compulsive disorder is not yet known, but there is no doubt that a healthy lifestyle and good personal care (especially psychological care) will help in a significant way.
Once the diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder has been obtained from a specialist, it is important to complete the treatment to the letter. In this way, the treatment can give satisfactory results and a rapid improvement.
Signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder
All care regarding how to take care of the child goes to extremes. Therefore, excessive behaviors of overprotection develop, among other things, great focus is placed on hygiene and cleaning.
- Insomnia
- Lack of rest (to take care of the child)
- Too much protection. For example, the mother may constantly carry the baby in her arms for fear that something might happen to her if she puts it down.
- Rituals and repetitive behaviors, for example: you always check the contents of your wallet, you sterilize the bottle more times than necessary, you clean the same place or the same object several times.
- Collect things. It gives the mother a sense of peace of mind knowing that she will not lose her items or that she will always have what she needs.
- Perfectionism. Constant anxiety due to the idea that if everything is not done perfectly, the child will be harmed.
- Avoidant behavior (to avoid harming the child), e.g. not to use knives or other sharp objects, not to use certain products for fear of poisons and so on.
The presence of these signs can cause a decline in a woman’s quality of life. Her routine is weighed down by the measures she takes to counter this unrealistic threat and her personal relationships are severely affected.
The treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Support from your loved ones is important when looking for solutions. It is also very beneficial for the woman to delegate certain responsibilities to someone else. These can be small things.
For example, if the mother has the help of the child’s grandmother or grandmother, she can relax in peace and quiet because there will be someone else who is responsible and can take care of the child.
Of course, it is not easy for a woman with obsessive-compulsive disorder to leave her baby behind, so they need to be patient but determined. Only then will they be able to help.
Regular help from a professional psychologist can help to gradually overcome the obsessive-compulsive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Therefore, it is important to consistently follow the treatment where the recommendations and guidelines are applied.
