Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder during the perinatal period
Gina Pelle
This work aims to synthesize existing literature on the prevalence, phenomenology, aetiology and
treatment of perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Despite the fact that data on prevalence rates
are inconsistent, given the high variability in methodologies used in the various studies, the general
pattern of these findings raises the possibility of increased vulnerability to Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder during the perinatal period. More consistent are findings regarding symptom profiles:
during pregnancy contamination obsessions regarding the foetus and washing/cleaning compulsions
predominate; whereas in the postpartum period obsessional thoughts concerning harming the infant
accompanied by avoidance of the infant and checking behaviours predominate. A discussion of
widely accepted etiological models is also provided. Although preliminary, data on the effectiveness
of medications and cognitive-behavioural therapy are described. Finally, particular attention is paid
to strategies for screening and diagnosis, the identification of risk factors and the development and
implementation of specific prevention programs.
Keywords
Pregnancy, Postpartum, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Cognitive-behavioural
therapy, Aggressive thoughts.
