Risk Factors for Perinatal Mood Disorders...

•  Personal or family history of mood disorders/mental illness

•  50% risk if you experienced a previous episode of perinatal mood disorders

•  History of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

•  Social Isolation and poor support system

•  History of abuse (physical/emotional/sexual)

•  Health issues for mom or baby

•  Traumatic or disappointing birth experience

•  Childcare stress/marital (partner) stress

•  History of elective abortion

•  Life stress or loss during pregnancy or postpartum (financial, death of someone close, building a new home or move to name a few)

•  History of drug/alcohol abuse

•  Unwanted/unplanned pregnancy

•  Abrupt weaning

•  Culture shock-Career vs. Motherhood

•  History of fertility treatments

•  Thyroid dysfunction

There are many risk factors that can contribute to whether or not a woman experiences a perinatal mood disorder.  Please keep in mind that these are things to be aware of, not frightened of.  One woman may have all the risk factors and not experience a perinatal mood disorder while another woman may have only one risk factor and experience a perinatal mood disorder.

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Last modified: 10/01/07