Postpartum panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that occurs during the perinatal period (from pregnancy through the first year after birth). Panic disorder is characterized by episodes of extreme anxiety or nervousness, or panic attacks, which come and go in waves. During a panic attack, the sufferer may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and other symptoms of anxiety. After the panic attack, there may be excessive worry about having another attack, losing control, going crazy, or dying.
Risk factors include:
Treatment plans will vary for each woman, but can include any or all of the following: