Many cases of postnatal post traumatic stress disorders are missed or misdiagnosed

The latest research data collected from 2021 to 2024 has indicated that many more women suffer from undiagnosed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after childbirth than had previously been recognised (“Symptom presentation of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress in 31 countries: the INTERSECT study” Constantinou G. et. al.  Journal of Affective Disorders 2026 122092 and “Diagnosing in the dark: the childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder GP evidence gap.” Forman, M. et al British Journal of General Practice 2026; 76 (770) 426-428).

The symptoms of child-birth PTSD (CB-PTSD) are very similar to postnatal depression and so are often overlooked by GPs

The symptoms of child-birth PTSD (CB-PTSD) are very similar to postnatal depression and so are often overlooked by GPs. Postnatal mental health conditions can have severe consequences for mothers among which are relationship problems, long term depression and an increased risk of suicide.  The symptoms of CB-PTSD are nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, negative thoughts and despondency. The study estimated that 2-3% of women who give birth in in England and Wales suffer from postpartum CB-PSTD which means that in 2025, when there were 585,369 births in England and Wales,17,561 women were potentially affected by CB-PTSD. This figure does not equate with those cases reported so there is a gap between diagnosis and the cases which are not diagnosed.

in 2025 . . . 17,561 women were potentially affected by CB-PTSD

At present there is a standard six-week postnatal check-up for women in the UK which may not be a long enough period for the complex symptoms of CB-PSTD to show. Post natal depression is treated with anti-depressants which are not effective if that diagnosis is confused with CB-PTSD which requires a more extensive and sophisticated line of treatment over months to years to counteract its effects.

First though, recognition and identification of CB-PTSD by maternity services and GPs is essential before it can be successfully treated with long term support. In the studies it is recommended that more consideration is given for the possibility of CB-PTSD in mothers who have recently given birth. The only way to determine this by a more detailed and long-term observations.  

In the UK, the charity Mind is available on 0300 123 3393 to discuss any mental health problems which you might be experiencing having given birth recently.

By out health correspondent