PMH-C Therapeutic Approaches 3

Question 1

When treating a breastfeeding mother with severe postpartum depression, what is the most important clinical consideration regarding psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy is the preferred first-line treatment as it carries no medication transfer risk

Answer

Psychotherapy is preferred as a first-line option for breastfeeding mothers with moderate-to-severe PPD because it poses no risk of medication transfer through breast milk.

Question 2

What is the primary goal of Dyadic therapy in the perinatal period?

Accepted Answer

To strengthen the parent-infant relationship and promote secure attachment

Answer

Dyadic therapy targets the parent-infant relationship with the goal of promoting secure attachment and healthy interactive patterns between caregiver and child.

Question 3

A therapist using CBT with a postpartum client identifies the automatic thought 'I am a terrible mother.' What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Challenge the thought by examining supporting and contradicting evidence

Answer

In CBT, automatic negative thoughts are examined through Socratic questioning and evidence-gathering to develop more balanced, realistic perspectives.

Question 4

Which approach is most evidence-based for treating birth-related PTSD (PTSD following childbirth)?

Accepted Answer

Trauma-focused CBT or EMDR

Answer

Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are the most evidence-based treatments for PTSD, including PTSD arising from traumatic childbirth experiences.

Question 5

In perinatal mental health, 'ghosts in the nursery' refers to which therapeutic concept?

Accepted Answer

Unresolved parental trauma or relationships that negatively influence parenting

Answer

Selma Fraiberg's 'ghosts in the nursery' refers to unresolved past relational experiences that parents unconsciously bring into their relationship with their infant.

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test

PMH-C Therapeutic Approaches 3