Text adapted from: "Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders," in Psychiatry in primary care by Ariel K. Dalfen (CAMH, 2019).
Risk Factors for Perinatal Mental Health Problems
Review risk factors with patients. Often a single risk factor, unless it is a strong biological one, is not sufficient for developing a psychiatric illness.
Biological Risk Factors
- History of mental illness
- History of mental illness in pregnancy
- History of postpartum depression or anxiety (50 to 60 percent recurrence rate)
- History of postpartum psychosis (80 to 90 percent recurrence rate)
- Family psychiatric history, especially first-degree relatives with a history of postpartum depression
- History of depression or anxiety during the menstrual cycle (premenstrual dysphoric disorder in particular)
- Substance use problems and disorders
- Chronic illness or medical illness or obstetrical complications
- Multiple births
- Increased parity
- Preterm birth, low birth weight
Psychosocial Risk Factors
- Stressful life events
- Limited social supports
- Relationship problems
- Domestic violence, previous abuse
- Low socioeconomic status
- Younger age
- Recent immigration
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Anxious or perfectionistic personality style
- Breastfeeding challenges