PMADs 101: Understanding Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
By Danielle Smith, LCSW, PMH-C
What Are PMADs and Why We’ve Moved Beyond “Postpartum Depression”
You’ve probably heard the term “postpartum depression,” but you might not be as familiar with PMADs—Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. While PPD is one form of PMAD, it only scratches the surface.
PMADs include a broader range of emotional health conditions that can occur during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum—and they don’t always look like sadness or crying.
Breaking Down the Acronym
Perinatal – During pregnancy and postpartum
Mood – Includes depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum psychosis
Anxiety – Includes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD
Disorders – Mental health symptoms that interfere with daily life and functioning
Who Can Experience PMADs?
Anyone. PMADs do not discriminate.
Birthing and non-birthing parents
Fathers, partners, and adoptive parents
First-time moms and seasoned parents
PMADs are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting:
1 in 5 women
1 in 10 men
Risk Factors & What Makes PMADs Worse
Evidence-Based Risk Factors:
Personal or family history of mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, bipolar, OCD, eating disorders)
History of childhood trauma or sexual abuse
Sensitivity to hormonal changes
Endocrine issues (thyroid imbalance, diabetes, infertility)
Lack of support or access to care
Racial or systemic healthcare disparities
Exacerbating Factors:
Complications during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding
Health issues in the baby or parent
Age-related stressors (e.g., adolescence, perimenopause)
Perfectionism or high personal expectations
How Do You Know If You’re Struggling?
There’s no blood test to diagnose PMADs - but there are screening tools (like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) that assess your symptoms.
If you’re not feeling like yourself, are overwhelmed by day-to-day tasks, or experience changes in sleep, mood, or thoughts - these may be signs of a PMAD.
You don’t have to “wait and see” or struggle in silence.
Yes, You Can Recover from PMADs
With the right care, recovery is not only possible - it’s expected.
Support Options Include:
✅ Individual therapy (with a perinatal mental health-trained professional)
✅ Couples or group therapy
✅ Medication, when appropriate
✅ Social support (friends, family, support groups)
✅ Daily self-care (sleep, nutrition, breaks, movement)
You are not alone - and you don’t have to push through this on your own.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you recognize yourself in any of the symptoms or risk factors mentioned here, know this: help is available, and healing is possible.
📧 danielle@empoweredcounselingnj.com
📞 862-701-2026
🌐 Schedule a free consultation
Support Line: 📞 Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773
