PMH-C Postpartum Depression 3

Question 1

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) question 10 asks about self-harm thoughts. A patient scores 2 on this item. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a full suicide risk assessment immediately

Answer

Any positive response on EPDS item 10 regarding self-harm requires immediate comprehensive suicide risk assessment before any other clinical decision is made.

Question 2

Which of the following factors has been shown to be MOST protective against developing postpartum depression?

Accepted Answer

High perceived social support

Answer

High perceived social support is one of the strongest protective factors against PPD, buffering the psychological and physiological stress of the postpartum period.

Question 3

Brexanolone (Zulresso) was FDA-approved specifically for postpartum depression. What is its mechanism of action?

Accepted Answer

Positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors

Answer

Brexanolone is a synthetic form of allopregnanolone that acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors, directly targeting the neurological mechanism underlying PPD.

Question 4

A mother at 3 months postpartum discloses she feels like a 'failure as a mother' and has been avoiding taking her newborn out in public. Which cognitive distortion is MOST evident?

Accepted Answer

All-or-nothing thinking

Answer

All-or-nothing (black-and-white) thinking is evident when the mother views herself as a complete failure based on imperfect maternal performance, without acknowledging successes.

Question 5

Which finding from the infant's perspective is a documented consequence of maternal postpartum depression if left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Higher rates of cognitive and language delays

Answer

Children of mothers with untreated PPD show higher rates of cognitive, language, and socioemotional developmental delays due to disruptions in early caregiving interactions.

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test

PMH-C Postpartum Depression 3