Understanding PMADs: A More Comprehensive Term Than Postpartum Depression

When people think of mental health challenges after pregnancy, postpartum depression is often the first thing that comes to mind. While postpartum depression is real and important, it represents only one type of perinatal mental health struggle. In recent years, clinicians and researchers have shifted to the broader term PMADs—Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders—to better capture the range of emotional challenges that can arise during pregnancy and the first year after birth.

At City Lights Psychology in Flatiron, Manhattan, we work with parents navigating PMADs, helping them understand that their experiences are valid, treatable, and more common than many realize.

What Are PMADs?

PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) is an umbrella term that includes:

• Postpartum depression – persistent sadness, hopelessness, or disconnection after birth

• Postpartum anxiety – excessive worry, racing thoughts, or panic symptoms

• Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors

• Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – often related to traumatic birth experiences

• Perinatal bipolar disorder – mood swings and episodes of mania or depression during pregnancy or postpartum

By using the term PMADs, clinicians acknowledge that mental health struggles after birth are diverse and not limited to depression alone.

Why PMADs Is a More Comprehensive Term

1. Recognizes the Full Spectrum of Experiences

Focusing only on postpartum depression can overlook anxiety, OCD, or PTSD symptoms that are just as common—and just as distressing—for new parents. The term PMADs captures the full range of emotional challenges that can occur during the perinatal period.

2. Reduces Stigma and Encourages Help-Seeking

Many parents hesitate to seek help because they feel their experiences don’t “fit” the stereotype of postpartum depression. PMADs validates a wider array of emotional struggles, helping more parents recognize when support is needed.

3. Supports Early Intervention

Awareness of PMADs helps clinicians, family members, and new parents spot symptoms early, leading to faster, more targeted support. Early intervention improves outcomes for both parents and babies.

4. Acknowledges That Anxiety Can Be as Debilitating as Depression

Research shows that postpartum anxiety is just as common as postpartum depression—and sometimes even more distressing. Using the term PMADs ensures that anxiety symptoms are recognized, normalized, and treated.

Seeking PMADs Support in Flatiron, Manhattan

At City Lights Psychology, our clinicians help parents navigate PMADs with evidence-based therapy, including cognitive-behavioral approaches, trauma-informed care, and perinatal mental health expertise. Whether you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or symptoms of PTSD after birth, therapy can help you process your experience, reduce stress, and regain a sense of balance.

Located in Flatiron, Manhattan, our practice is easily accessible to new parents across NYC neighborhoods. Recognizing PMADs early and working with a specialized perinatal mental health clinician can make a profound difference in both your well-being and your family’s overall health.