What are the Signs of Postpartum Anxiety?

Postpartum anxiety would be diagnosed for any woman who meets diagnostic criteria, for an anxiety disorder, within one year of giving birth.

Signs of Postpartum Anxiety are More than New Parent Emotions

Postpartum anxiety is extremely common and oftentimes goes unnoticed because many women believe that an increase in anxiety is just something that comes along with motherhood, which it does, to some extent. However, when a woman is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's time to seek help from your provider:

• extreme anxiety
• difficulty controlling worry
• difficulty concentrating
• extreme irritability
• sleep disturbance

Who Might Get Postpartum Anxiety?

Women at increased risk for postpartum anxiety include:

• women who have a personal or family history of anxiety
• women with history of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• women with history of obsessive-compulsive disorder

If you or anyone you know meet that criteria, it's important to be evaluated by a medical professional.