People experiencing peripartum-onset depression often feel very anxious and may even have panic attacks. They may feel guilty, agitated, and be weepy. They may not want to hold or care for their newborn, even in cases in which the pregnancy was desired and intended. In extreme cases, a person may have feelings of wanting to harm the child or themselves.

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The peripartum onset specifier is applied to cases of major depression that occur during pregnancy or within the four weeks following childbirth. This condition is also commonly known as postpartum depression.

Peripartum Onset Specifier for Major Depressive Disorder

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Based on the timeline provided in this case, would it be appropriate for the clinician to add the 'peripartum onset' specifier to the patient's diagnosis? Justify your answer by referencing the specific criteria for this specifier.

Clinical Specifier Application

Symptoms of Peripartum-Onset Depression

Andrea Yates is a documented example of the most severe possible outcome of peripartum-onset depression: while experiencing extreme peripartum-onset depression along with other mental illnesses, she drowned her five children in a bathtub (Roche, 2002).

Andrea Yates Case of Extreme Peripartum-Onset Depression

Although physically harming their children is rare among people with peripartum-onset depression, most of these individuals still struggle to adequately meet their caregiving responsibilities (Fields, 2010).

Low Rate of Physical Harm Among People with Peripartum-Onset Depression

In a study involving 10,000 women shortly after childbirth, about 14 percent tested positive for peripartum-onset depression, and close to 20 percent reported having thoughts of self-harm (Wisner et al., 2013).

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