EXISTENTIAL OBSESSIONS: A CASE REPORT OF A POSTPARTUM OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Abstract

Existential obsessions (EO) are an uncommon type of obsessive thought, also described as philosophical or ruminative obsessions. In Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with postpartum onset, the clinical picture frequently counts with intrusive thoughts about infant harm and compulsions of verification. We report an unusual case of a patient with postpartum onset OCD, who presented with EO. The case highlights the importance of actively exploring the symptomatology, for an accurate differential diagnosis. In particular, in the postpartum period, a correct psychiatric diagnosis has significant therapeutic and prognostic implications.