OCD More Common after Pregnancy

Posted by Brenda Lane Feb 24, 2007

The January issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry has a new study that has interesting findings about postpartum depression. Not many mothers realize that symptoms of postpartum mood disorders can also include obsessive-compulsive thoughts, feelings or actions, also known as OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder.)

This latest study shows that mothers are more susceptible after a first baby. About 6.5% of the mothers in the study developed OCD symptoms, as compared to 2% with later pregnancies.

Researchers recommend that all mothers should be screened for OCD in the postpartum period.

If you have had any symptoms of postpartum depression or OCD, see our entire series on postpartum depression for identifying PPD and getting help.

Brenda