Perinatal OCD

Unwanted, distressing, repetitive thoughts/images of harming baby, with checking/avoidance/rituals. Ego-dystonic, resisted, preserved insight

EmergentReview due

At a glance

Watch forFunctional collapsesevere insomniahidden distresscomorbid depressionSevere avoidancehidden shame

Separates perinatal intrusive thoughts from postpartum psychosis and genuine harm intent.

Separates the Perinatal Acute Psychiatry group. It is not specific to Perinatal OCD.

Rows marked “Whole group”: Applies to the Perinatal Acute Psychiatry group — not specific to Perinatal OCD

Unwanted, distressing, repetitive thoughts/images of harming baby, with checking/avoidance/rituals. Ego-dystonic, resisted, preserved insight

Key features4 features

Distressing intrusive images/urges of harming baby, compulsive avoidance, checking, reassurance seeking
Psychotic or manic syndrome with abrupt change from baseline in the postpartum period.
Postpartum/antenatal distressing infant-harm images/urges with checking/avoidance. Ego-dystonic, horrifying, preserved insight
Distinguishes intrusive/obsessional phenomena from psychotic or violent intent.

Functional collapse, severe insomnia, hidden distress, comorbid depression.

High-risk causes7 causes

Applies to the Perinatal Acute Psychiatry group.

Separates perinatal intrusive thoughts from postpartum psychosis and genuine harm intent.

Helpful clues2 clues

Psychotic or manic syndrome with abrupt change from baseline in the postpartum period.
Distinguishes intrusive/obsessional phenomena from psychotic or violent intent.

Applies to the Perinatal Acute Psychiatry group.

None listed

Priority steps

Applies to the Perinatal Acute Psychiatry group.

None listed

Core tests

Applies to the Perinatal Acute Psychiatry group.

None listed

Consider

Clinical reference — not validated decision support. Review before use.