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PSI PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH
CERTIFICATION EXAM 2025 | COMPREHENSIVE
Q&A FOR GUARANTEED SUCCESS
Theories of etiology -correct-answer-biological sensitivities to hormone changes
(sleep), genetic vulnerability (prior diagnosis), psychological (identity),
social/environmental (poor social support/racism)
Baby Blues -correct-answer-Affects 60-80% new mothers. Due to hormone
changes and sleep deprivation. lasts 2 days to 2 weeks. Tearful, labile affect,
reactivity, exhaustion BUT predominately happy, self-esteem remains unchanged.
Resolves without intervention. Recommend self care strategies.
How to determine is it blues or depression -correct-answer-severity, intensity,
duration of symptoms
Prevalence of postpartum anxiety -correct-answer-8-20%
Prevalence of prenatal anxiety -correct-answer-15%
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Prevalence of postpartum depression -correct-answer-21%
Prevalence of postpartum panic disorder -correct-answer-11%
Prevalence of postpartum OCD -correct-answer-11%
Prevalence of postpartum PTSD -correct-answer-9%
Percentage of bipolar symptoms that relapse w/o meds -correct-answer-70%
Prevalence of postpartum psychosis -correct-answer-1-2 out of 1,000
Prevalence of PPD in fathers -correct-answer-10%
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Prevalence psychosis in women with known bipolar disorder -correct-answer-20-
30%
Traits of OCD -correct-answer-recognizes that thoughts are unhealthy, extreme
anxiety related to thoughts/images, concerned about "snapping". parent does not
want to harm the baby, thoughts are frightening.
Traits of psychosis -correct-answer-does not recognize actions/thoughts are
unhealthy, may seem to have less anxiety when indulging in thoughts/behaviors,
no insight about distortion of thoughts, parent has delusional beliefs about the
baby, thoughts of harming the baby are ego-syntonic
Traits of PTSD -correct-answer-intrusive thoughts (flashbacks), avoidance,
negative cognitions and mood, arousal (sleep disturbance, poor concentration,
aggression, hyper vigilance)
maternal mortality-all women -correct-answer-1,200 a year or 14.4 per 100,000
maternal mortality-black women -correct-answer-43.5 per 100,000
PSI PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH
CERTIFICATION EXAM 2025 | COMPREHENSIVE
Q&A FOR GUARANTEED SUCCESS
Theories of etiology -correct-answer-biological sensitivities to hormone changes
(sleep), genetic vulnerability (prior diagnosis), psychological (identity),
social/environmental (poor social support/racism)
Baby Blues -correct-answer-Affects 60-80% new mothers. Due to hormone
changes and sleep deprivation. lasts 2 days to 2 weeks. Tearful, labile affect,
reactivity, exhaustion BUT predominately happy, self-esteem remains unchanged.
Resolves without intervention. Recommend self care strategies.
How to determine is it blues or depression -correct-answer-severity, intensity,
duration of symptoms
Prevalence of postpartum anxiety -correct-answer-8-20%
Prevalence of prenatal anxiety -correct-answer-15%
,2|Page
Prevalence of postpartum depression -correct-answer-21%
Prevalence of postpartum panic disorder -correct-answer-11%
Prevalence of postpartum OCD -correct-answer-11%
Prevalence of postpartum PTSD -correct-answer-9%
Percentage of bipolar symptoms that relapse w/o meds -correct-answer-70%
Prevalence of postpartum psychosis -correct-answer-1-2 out of 1,000
Prevalence of PPD in fathers -correct-answer-10%
, 3|Page
Prevalence psychosis in women with known bipolar disorder -correct-answer-20-
30%
Traits of OCD -correct-answer-recognizes that thoughts are unhealthy, extreme
anxiety related to thoughts/images, concerned about "snapping". parent does not
want to harm the baby, thoughts are frightening.
Traits of psychosis -correct-answer-does not recognize actions/thoughts are
unhealthy, may seem to have less anxiety when indulging in thoughts/behaviors,
no insight about distortion of thoughts, parent has delusional beliefs about the
baby, thoughts of harming the baby are ego-syntonic
Traits of PTSD -correct-answer-intrusive thoughts (flashbacks), avoidance,
negative cognitions and mood, arousal (sleep disturbance, poor concentration,
aggression, hyper vigilance)
maternal mortality-all women -correct-answer-1,200 a year or 14.4 per 100,000
maternal mortality-black women -correct-answer-43.5 per 100,000
