2002 International International Biennial Scientific Meeting

ATTACK OF THE MUMMY

Sara Weeks

Mensana Clinic, Auckland, New Zealand

mensana@excom.co.nz

A particular form of OCD with post partum onset has been described in the literature, involving obsessional worries about harming the infant. A subgroup, of those women with concerns about sexually abusing the infant, will be presented and compared to women with concerns only about physical harm, and about both physical and sexually harm. Demographic data, pathoplastic issues and treatment strategies will be considered.

Most women responded at least partially to SSRIs, some required addition of an antipsychotic agent. Surprisingly few admitted to a past history of abuse themselves. Only a few had a past psychiatric history, and these women tended to have more non specific obsessive compulsive concerns. Those without a past history generally achieved complete remission of symptoms, which was maintained after medication was discontinued.

The role of the media in presenting a focus for fear will be addressed.