PSI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PSI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. PSI's 'Climb Out of the Darkness' event raises awareness and funds by organizing what type of activity? → Community hikes and outdoor walks
2. What term describes the process by which early parent-infant relationship difficulties related to PMAD can be addressed therapeutically? → Child-parent psychotherapy (CPP) or dyadic therapy
3. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed for postpartum depression because they do what? → Increase serotonin availability in the brain to improve mood
4. What is the recommended treatment approach for postpartum psychosis? → Hospitalization plus antipsychotics and mood stabilizers as it is a psychiatric emergency
5. What is the PSI Coordinator Network? → A volunteer network of regional contacts who connect families with local resources
6. Which PSI resource is specifically dedicated to fathers and non-birthing partners? → PSI's 'Help for Dads' webpage and downloadable resources
7. PSI's online support groups are moderated by whom? → Trained volunteer facilitators or licensed professionals
8. When is the best time to get checked for postpartum depression? → 2+ weeks after delivery
9. Financial stress and poverty during the perinatal period are associated with what outcome? → Higher rates of perinatal depression and reduced access to treatment
10. How should family members respond when a new parent discloses postpartum depression symptoms? → Listen without judgment, validate their experience, and offer specific practical help
11. When was Postpartum Support International founded? → 1987
12. The PHQ-9 is used in perinatal mental health screening to assess what? → Severity of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks
13. Which of the following is a recognized risk factor for more severe psychological distress following perinatal loss? → A previous personal history of depression or anxiety
14. What does PSI advise partners to do if they suspect their loved one may be a danger to themselves or the baby? → Seek immediate professional evaluation and do not leave the person alone
15. What role does birth plan disappointment or birth trauma play in PMAD risk? → It can contribute to postpartum depression, anxiety, and PTSD
16. Of the following, which one is NOT a sign of depression after giving birth? → Delegating chores to others
17. Which factor most commonly causes a perinatal patient to discontinue medication treatment prematurely? → Concerns about medication safety during breastfeeding
18. PSI hosts an annual conference primarily attended by whom? → Mental health professionals, researchers, and advocates in perinatal mental health
19. When is pharmacological treatment most clearly indicated for postpartum depression? → When symptoms are moderate to severe or when psychotherapy alone is insufficient
20. The EPDS has been validated for use in which populations beyond postpartum mothers? → Pregnant women, fathers, and adoptive parents
21. Which group is at particularly elevated risk for perinatal depression due to systemic barriers and historical trauma? → Black and Indigenous women in the US
22. A youngster who experiences postpartum depression may be more likely to attempt suicide. → TRUE
23. It is safe to take postpartum depression medications while nursing. → TRUE
24. What is 'disenfranchised grief' as it applies to perinatal loss? → Grief that is not socially recognized or validated by others
25. Which is the main method used to screen for postpartum depression? → Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
26. Which type of therapy is considered a first-line evidence-based treatment for postpartum depression? → Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
27. What is a common but unhelpful statement partners make to someone with postpartum depression? → 'You should be happy — you have a beautiful baby'
28. These are risk factors for diagnoses of postpartum mental health: → All of the above
29. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) is validated for screening what in perinatal populations? → Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms
30. Which psychosocial risk factor is most consistently associated with perinatal depression? → Lack of social support