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Postnatal depression — DRCOG MCQ

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ModeratePostnatal CarePostnatal depressionDRCOG

A 34-year-old woman attends her 6-week postnatal review. She reports persistent low mood, poor sleep even when the baby sleeps and guilt that she is a poor mother. She has no psychotic symptoms or thoughts of harm. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: A — Postnatal depression

Symptoms persisting to 6 weeks with low mood, guilt and functional impact are consistent with postnatal depression. Baby blues usually occur in the first days after birth and resolve quickly. Postpartum psychosis involves delusions, hallucinations, severe agitation or marked mood elevation and needs emergency care. The pearl is to ask directly about self-harm, infant harm and psychotic symptoms.

Reference: NICE CG192