PMH-C Perinatal Mental Health Disorders & Assessment 2

Question 1

A postpartum patient reports intrusive thoughts of accidentally dropping her baby.
She is distressed by these thoughts and goes to great lengths to avoid holding the infant.
Which condition is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Postpartum OCD

Answer

Postpartum psychosis

Answer

Postpartum depression

Answer

Adjustment disorder

Question 2

Which screening tool is specifically validated for use across the perinatal period, including both pregnancy and the postpartum period?

Accepted Answer

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

Answer

PHQ-9

Answer

GAD-7

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory-II

Question 3

A clinician notes that a patient's EPDS score dropped from 16 to 9 between her 6-week and 12-week postpartum visits. How should this change be interpreted?

Accepted Answer

Clinical improvement has occurred but continued follow-up is warranted

Answer

The patient no longer requires monitoring

Answer

The score drop confirms a misdiagnosis of PPD at the initial visit

Answer

The score is now in the normal range and treatment can be discontinued immediately

Question 4

Which of the following is a hallmark distinguishing feature of postpartum psychosis compared to severe postpartum depression?

Accepted Answer

Presence of delusions or hallucinations

Answer

Persistent low mood

Answer

Sleep disturbance

Answer

Anhedonia

Question 5

During pregnancy, which anxiety disorder is most commonly reported and often goes undetected?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Specific phobia

Question 6

A pregnant patient discloses she has been unable to sleep more than 2–3 hours per night, has no appetite, and feels that she is a burden to her family. Which clinical action is most urgent?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a thorough suicide risk assessment

Answer

Schedule a follow-up in two weeks

Answer

Refer to a nutritionist for appetite management

Answer

Initiate sleep hygiene psychoeducation

Question 7

Which timeframe represents the highest risk window for onset of postpartum psychosis?

Accepted Answer

First 2 weeks postpartum

Answer

6–12 months postpartum

Answer

3–6 months postpartum

Answer

Immediately prior to delivery