PSI PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH 2025
CERTIFICATION EXAM STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS |
A+ GRADED STUDY RESOURCE
2025/2026
Risk factors for postpartum psychosis Correct Answer
History of bipolar or psychotic disorder, first pregnancy,
family history, recent discontinuation of psychotropic
medication
Postpartum psychosis symptoms Correct Answer onset-2
weeks postpartum, poor concentration, disorientation,
agitation, aloof, lack of self care, elated/labile mood,
rambling speech, thought broadcasting/delusion of
grandiosity, disorganized thoughts, flight of ideas,
hallucinations
reducing risk of postpartum psychosis Correct Answer
stay on bipolar medication, treat immediately in women
with history of psychosis and bipolar, good sleep is
essential
Evidence based risk factors for PMADS Correct Answer
previous PMADS (family history, personal history,
symptoms during pregnancy), history of mood/anxiety
disorders (personal or family history of depression,
anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, bipolar disorders),
,significant mood reactions of hormonal changes (puberty,
PMS, hormonal birth control)
More evidence based risk factors for PMADS Correct
Answer endocrine dysfunction (diabetes, thyroid
imbalance, fertility challenges), social factors (IPV, low
support, financial stress, racism), high stress parenting
(military families, adolescent parents, parents of multiples,
single parents)
Exacerbating factors of postpartum depression Correct
Answer pain, lack of sleep, abrupt discontinuing of breast
feeding, childcare stress, relationship stress, losses,
history of childhood sexual abuse, complicated pregnancy,
health changes in baby or parents, temperament of baby,
climate stressors: seasonal depression or mania,
perfectionism/high expectations, unresolved grief or
attachment with mother, returning to work
Substance Use in Pregnancy Correct Answer 5.4% all
women use illicit drugs during pregnancy, 14.6% of
adolescent moms
Alcohol use in pregnancy Correct Answer 8.5% of women
drank within last month, most during first trimester (17.9%)
Postpartum substance abuse Correct Answer 40-49%
report alcohol use, 4.5-8.5% report marijuana use
, Risks for single parents Correct Answer twice as likely to
report depressive and anxious symptoms over partnered
parents.
NICU rates Correct Answer 10-15% of babies spend time
in the NICU
NICU parents often traumatized
high rate of anxiety and depression
Maternal psychological impact of neonate Correct Answer
parents: difficulty bonding, poor attunement, smile less,
less eye contact, avoid physical contact, less verbalization
the depressive dyad Correct Answer when mom is
depressed, babies are more often: delayed in speech and
cog development, short attention span, sleep problems,
feeding issues, increased frequency of GI upset, prone to
colic, excessive crying, irritability.
NICU family prevalence of PMADS Correct Answer 20-
30% of diagnosable mental health disorder. more
experience PTSD
NICU moms rate of depression Correct Answer up to 63%
NICU moms rate of anxiety Correct Answer up to 27%
NICU moms rate of PTSD Correct Answer 53%
NICU dads Correct Answer 30% screen positive for
depressive symptoms
CERTIFICATION EXAM STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS |
A+ GRADED STUDY RESOURCE
2025/2026
Risk factors for postpartum psychosis Correct Answer
History of bipolar or psychotic disorder, first pregnancy,
family history, recent discontinuation of psychotropic
medication
Postpartum psychosis symptoms Correct Answer onset-2
weeks postpartum, poor concentration, disorientation,
agitation, aloof, lack of self care, elated/labile mood,
rambling speech, thought broadcasting/delusion of
grandiosity, disorganized thoughts, flight of ideas,
hallucinations
reducing risk of postpartum psychosis Correct Answer
stay on bipolar medication, treat immediately in women
with history of psychosis and bipolar, good sleep is
essential
Evidence based risk factors for PMADS Correct Answer
previous PMADS (family history, personal history,
symptoms during pregnancy), history of mood/anxiety
disorders (personal or family history of depression,
anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, bipolar disorders),
,significant mood reactions of hormonal changes (puberty,
PMS, hormonal birth control)
More evidence based risk factors for PMADS Correct
Answer endocrine dysfunction (diabetes, thyroid
imbalance, fertility challenges), social factors (IPV, low
support, financial stress, racism), high stress parenting
(military families, adolescent parents, parents of multiples,
single parents)
Exacerbating factors of postpartum depression Correct
Answer pain, lack of sleep, abrupt discontinuing of breast
feeding, childcare stress, relationship stress, losses,
history of childhood sexual abuse, complicated pregnancy,
health changes in baby or parents, temperament of baby,
climate stressors: seasonal depression or mania,
perfectionism/high expectations, unresolved grief or
attachment with mother, returning to work
Substance Use in Pregnancy Correct Answer 5.4% all
women use illicit drugs during pregnancy, 14.6% of
adolescent moms
Alcohol use in pregnancy Correct Answer 8.5% of women
drank within last month, most during first trimester (17.9%)
Postpartum substance abuse Correct Answer 40-49%
report alcohol use, 4.5-8.5% report marijuana use
, Risks for single parents Correct Answer twice as likely to
report depressive and anxious symptoms over partnered
parents.
NICU rates Correct Answer 10-15% of babies spend time
in the NICU
NICU parents often traumatized
high rate of anxiety and depression
Maternal psychological impact of neonate Correct Answer
parents: difficulty bonding, poor attunement, smile less,
less eye contact, avoid physical contact, less verbalization
the depressive dyad Correct Answer when mom is
depressed, babies are more often: delayed in speech and
cog development, short attention span, sleep problems,
feeding issues, increased frequency of GI upset, prone to
colic, excessive crying, irritability.
NICU family prevalence of PMADS Correct Answer 20-
30% of diagnosable mental health disorder. more
experience PTSD
NICU moms rate of depression Correct Answer up to 63%
NICU moms rate of anxiety Correct Answer up to 27%
NICU moms rate of PTSD Correct Answer 53%
NICU dads Correct Answer 30% screen positive for
depressive symptoms
