PMH-C Anxiety Disorders in Pregnancy 3

Question 1

A pregnant woman with panic disorder asks about the risk of neonatal adaptation syndrome if she takes an SSRI. Which symptom cluster is most associated with this syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Jitteriness, poor feeding, and transient respiratory distress

Answer

Neonatal adaptation syndrome with SSRIs presents as jitteriness, poor feeding, and transient respiratory distress, which is self-limiting and distinct from withdrawal.

Question 2

Which anxiety disorder is most likely to have its onset triggered specifically by the physiological changes of early pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

The cardiovascular and respiratory changes of early pregnancy (e.g., increased heart rate, shortness of breath) can trigger panic attacks in susceptible individuals, precipitating panic disorder.

Question 3

What is the primary mechanism by which prenatal maternal anxiety is thought to affect fetal neurodevelopment?

Accepted Answer

Glucocorticoid exposure altering fetal HPA axis programming

Answer

Maternal cortisol crosses the placenta and is thought to program the fetal HPA axis, increasing the child's later stress reactivity.

Question 4

A woman at 20 weeks gestation has a history of childhood sexual trauma and presents with hypervigilance, avoidance of prenatal exams, and flashbacks. The most appropriate trauma-informed approach is:

Accepted Answer

Coordinate care with a trauma-informed therapist and allow patient control during exams

Answer

Trauma-informed care emphasizes patient safety, choice, and collaboration; allowing control during exams and coordinating with therapy is the evidence-based approach.

Question 5

Which screening tool has been validated specifically to assess anxiety symptoms in the perinatal period and complements the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale?

Accepted Answer

Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS)

Answer

The PASS (Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale) was developed and validated specifically for perinatal populations to detect a range of anxiety disorders.

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test

PMH-C Anxiety Disorders in Pregnancy 3