PMH-C Perinatal Mental Health Disorders & Assessment 3

Question 1

A woman with a history of bipolar I disorder becomes pregnant. Compared to the general population, her risk of postpartum psychosis is:

Accepted Answer

Substantially elevated at 25–50%

Answer

Women with bipolar I disorder have a markedly elevated risk of postpartum psychosis, estimated at 25–50%, compared to approximately 1–2 per 1,000 in the general population.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'birth trauma' in perinatal mental health?

Accepted Answer

A subjective experience of distress during or after childbirth that may lead to PTSD symptoms

Answer

Birth trauma refers to the psychological experience of childbirth as traumatic, which may lead to PTSD-like symptoms regardless of objective medical complications.

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter system is most implicated in the rapid hormonal withdrawal theory of postpartum mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

GABAergic system influenced by allopregnanolone

Answer

The sharp postpartum drop in allopregnanolone (a progesterone metabolite that modulates GABA-A receptors) is strongly implicated in perinatal mood dysregulation.

Question 4

A postpartum patient scores 14 on the EPDS and endorses item 10 (self-harm ideation). What is the recommended immediate clinical response?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a full suicide risk assessment and create a safety plan

Answer

Endorsement of EPDS item 10 (suicidal ideation) requires immediate comprehensive suicide risk assessment and safety planning regardless of the total score.

Question 5

Perinatal anxiety affects approximately what percentage of pregnant and postpartum women?

Accepted Answer

15–20%

Answer

Research consistently estimates that anxiety disorders affect approximately 15–20% of perinatal women, making it at least as common as perinatal depression.

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test

PMH-C Perinatal Mental Health Disorders & Assessment 3