Is pregnancy or childbirth related to the onset of OCD symptoms?
Several research studies have investigated whether stressful life events trigger the onset of OCD. Results have suggested that pregnancy and the period after delivery is associated with an increased risk of developing OCD in some women. “Postpartum OCD” may often remain undiagnosed and untreated; therefore awareness of this vulnerable time period is important for relieving the suffering of these individuals. Typically, symptoms developing at the time of pregnancy and/or delivery consist of obsessive, intrusive thoughts concerning fears of harming the newborn, and may also include compulsions. Fortunately, preliminary research has shown that medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy are effective treatments for these symptoms that arise at postpartum (Archives of Women’s Mental Health, April 2004; Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 2003, 17; Epidemiologia e Psichiatria Sociale, Apr-Jun 2001; Psychiatry Research, Dec 1999). Interestingly, one study described some men who developed obsessio
