PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH CERTIFICATION (PMH-C) EXAM ACTUAL 2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT ANSWERS

PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH CERTIFICATION (PMH-C) EXAM ACTUAL 2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT ANSWERS What are some services that Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers? - Answer -- English & Spanish support - Connecting to local support volunteers and resources - "Chat with an Expert" phone forums - Educational DVDs - Online support groups - Professional trainings and conferences Does the PSI Helpline offer phone or text support? - Answer -Both! At 1- . Remember it is not a crisis hotline. What is the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline? - Answer -A national hotline for the perinatal population that offers support 24hr/365d. 1-833-TLC-MAMA What is the definition of "perinatal"? - Answer -Anytime during pregnancy through the first year postpartumWhat percentage of new mothers experience the "baby blues" in the first few weeks after the baby arrives? - Answer -80% When do the baby blues typically peak? - Answer -Day 3-5 after delivery How long do the baby blues typically last? - Answer -2 days to 2 weeks after delivery What are the symptoms of baby blues? - Answer -- tearfulness - lability - reactivity - exhaustion - unrelated to stress or prior psychiatric hx When making a determination between baby blues and PPD, what should be considered? - Answer -severity, onset, and duration What is the DSM code for PPD? - Answer -Major Unipolar Depression (with peripartum onset) What is the DSM criteria for MDD? - Answer -SIGECAPS Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same two-week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either 0. Depressed mood 1. Sleep issues 2. Interest decreased 3. Guilt/worthlessness/hopelessness4. Energy decreased 5. Concentration decreased 6. Appetite issues 7. Psychomotor agitation or retardation 8. Suicidality or thoughts of death What is the prevalence of serious depression or anxiety developed during the perinatal period (beyond just "baby blues")? - Answer -At least 1 in 7 mothers What is the prevalence of postpartum psychosis? - Answer -1-2 in 1,000 mothers What is the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in fathers? - Answer -10% of new fathers What is the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in mothers? - Answer -21% of new mothers, 19.3% of whom also experienced suicidal thoughts Suicide is the ____ leading causes of maternal deaths - Answer -One of the top 3 What are some obstacles to care for the perinatal population? - Answer -- shame and fear - provider misinformation - cultural taboos - provider accessibilityWhat is the PSI motto? - Answer -You are not alone, you are not to blame, and with help you will be well. What is the term for mental health disorders that develop during pregnancy or postpartum? - Answer -Perinatal Mental Health Disorders (PMHDs) According to the formal definition of perinatal mental health disorders (PMHDs), when can their onset begin? - Answer -Anytime during or after pregnancy, up to 1 year postpartum, including losses. Do PMHDs have onset during the "baby blues?" - Answer -They can, or they can arise later. What are some triggers for later onset of PMHDs? - Answer -- hormonal triggers