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Return to Activity: Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: The "Secret Illness" Affecting Many New and Expectant Parents

CME/CE Test

Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: The "Secret Illness" Affecting Many New and Expectant Parents

What is the estimated rate of new-onset OCD in the perinatal period?

1 – 10%

2 – 24%

15 – 30%
Which of the following is a symptom that someone experiencing perinatal OCD may exhibit?

Repeatedly washing their hands out of concern that they may cause their baby to become sick

Causing physical harm to their baby

Lack of insight and poor understanding of the reality of their mental health
A new mum presents in your clinic with typical symptoms of perinatal OCD including very frightening thoughts about hurting her baby and compulsive avoidance of the kitchen so that she’s not near any sharp objects while taking care of here baby. Which treatment do you recommend as first line to help this mum?

Pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Deep brain stimulation

Cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention