Women's Mental Health Flashcards
What is Women’s mental health?
Mental Health issues specific to women
Reproductive health
- Pregnancy/postnatal
- Menstrual related disorders
-Menopause
- Infertility
Why Women’s Mental Health?
- Distinct area
- Unique problems
- Integrated approach
- Children
- Family
- Socio-economic factors
Perinatal disorders
- Pregnancy and postpartum
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Psychosis
Normal Mood changes in pregnancy
- Labile mood common, normal
- A certain degree of heightened anxiety – normal
- Post delivery – baby blues 3 -5 days
- resolves spontaneously
What is abnormal?
- Persistent changes in mood
- Incapacitating anxiety
- Inability to function
- Numbing, inability to feel
- Suicidal, homicidal thoughts
How common are perinatal mood disorders?
Perinatal mood disorders are common, affecting 1 in 10 women.
What is the usual mood associated with perinatal mood disorders?
The usual mood associated with perinatal mood disorders is depressed mood.
When do perinatal mood disorders often start?
Perinatal mood disorders often start during pregnancy, with 21% of pregnant women affected.
Do perinatal mood disorders continue after pregnancy?
Yes, they often carry on into the postpartum period.
What are the consequences of perinatal mood disorders for the mother and child?
For the child: Poorer growth and development.
Attachment?: There may be issues with emotional attachment
Is perinatal anxiety common?
Perinatal anxiety may be more common than depression.
When does perinatal anxiety often start?
Perinatal anxiety often starts during pregnancy.
What is the biggest risk factor for perinatal depression?
Perinatal anxiety is the biggest risk factor for depression.
What concerns are common in women with perinatal anxiety?
Women with perinatal anxiety often have concerns around the baby.
What condition is associated with postpartum anxiety?
Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is associated with postpartum anxiety.
How common is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is rare, affecting less than 1% of women.
What type of psychosis is most often seen in postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis most often manifests as affective psychosis.
How serious is postpartum psychosis for the mother and baby?
It is very serious; the mother is at high risk to herself and the baby.
What are common symptoms of postpartum psychosis?
Common symptoms include labile mood, restlessness, and agitation.
What delusions are associated with postpartum psychosis?
Delusions around the child are common, and the mother may be homicidal toward the child.
What is the importance of recognizing postpartum psychosis?
It is crucial to recognize and treat postpartum psychosis promptly.
Who is at risk of postpartum psychosis
- Previous Psych Illness
- History of Illness in current pregnancy/past pregnancy
- Unwanted child
- Poor social support
- Substance use
How to treat postpartum psychosis
- Recognise cases
- Screen women
- Assess risk to mum and baby
- Refer
- Psychiatrist
- Clinic – advice on baby, feeding
- Support groups
- Mobilise social support
- Destigmatise
Medication for postpartum psychosis
- Generally SSRI’s and TCA’s safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Antipsychotics – reasonably safe
- Mood stabilisers – teratogenic risk
- ECT – option
- Ideally prescribe in conjunction with psychiatrist
Breastfeeding
- MOST WOMEN ON MEDS CAN BREASTFEED!!!!!
- Risk of child dying from diarrhoea, respiratory disease, malnutrition higher than medication side effects
- Case by case basis
What is infanticide?
Infanticide is when a mother kills her child.
What are the categories of infanticide?
- Neonaticide
- young women
- Unwanted pregnancy
- Denial of pregnancy
- Abuse
- Socioeconomic reasons
- Mentally ill
What is a common characteristic of mothers who commit infanticide due to mental illness?
- Almost always psychotic
- Delusion around children
- May be part of suicide attempt
How should threats of infanticide by a mentally ill mother be treated?
Such threats should be taken very seriously.
What should be assessed in women at risk of infanticide?
It is important to ask about:
- Mental illness
- Poor social support
- Unwanted pregnancy
What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?
PMDD is characterized by serious and severe mood changes linked to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
When do the symptoms of PMDD resolve?
The symptoms resolve with the onset of menses.
What is important to remember about PMDD?
It is important to be aware that PMDD exists and can significantly impact a woman’s mental health.
What are the treatment options for PMDD?
Treatment options include:
- Hormonal therapy
- Intermittent use of SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
How is menopause categorized?
Menopause is a normal event in a woman’s life.
What mood-related symptoms can occur during menopause?
Women may experience mood swings and mood lability.
Are memory problems associated with menopause?
Yes, memory problems can occur during menopause.
What factors contribute to symptoms during menopause?
Both hormonal and psychological factors contribute to menopausal symptoms.
How does menopause affect the risk of depression?
Menopause is a time of increased risk of depression.
What treatment options are available for mood symptoms during menopause?
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) can be used to manage mood symptoms.
What is a common physical symptom of menopause?
Hot flushes (or hot flashes) are a common symptom.
How is infertility considered in terms of stress?
Infertility is a severe stressor.
What is another stressor related to infertility?
The process of fertility treatment itself is also a significant stressor.
What impact does infertility have on self-image
Infertility can cause problems with self-image.
How can infertility affect marital relationships?
Infertility can lead to marital conflict.
What type of loss might be experienced due to infertility?
Infertility can involve a sense of loss, including loss of potential children and disrupted life plans.
What mental health issues are associated with infertility?
Anxiety and mood disorders are commonly associated with infertility.
What are some psychodynamic issues related to infertility?
Psychodynamic issues related to infertility may include unresolved psychological conflicts and distress.
How can medication be involved in infertility?
Medication may be used to address both the physiological aspects of infertility and the associated mental health issues.
