'Vanderpump Rules' Star Scheana Shay Has Postpartum OCD—Here's What That Means
Vanderpump Rules star Scheana Shay, 38, recently revealed that she was diagnosed with postpartum OCD after giving birth to her daughter, Summer Moon, in April 2021. The reality TV personality told People in a new interview that she struggles with “intrusive thoughts,” adding that “it is... a battle every day in my brain.”
Scheana previously shared on her podcast, Scheananigans, in July 2023 that she was seeking treatment for the postpartum condition. “I did finally make an appointment with my doctor last week to get on some sort of medication, because my anxiety, OCD, everything, I mean—it’s been bad since I had her [Summer],” she said. While the “Good as Gold” singer didn't get into details on her current treatment, Scheana told People that she’s “in a good place” right now.
Considering the recent developments with Scheana’s health, her postpartum OCD diagnosis is likely to come up on this season of Vanderpump Rules, which premieres on January 30. But what is postpartum OCD, exactly? Here’s what you need to know.
What is postpartum OCD?
Postpartum OCD (also known as pOCD) is obsessions and compulsions that start after childbirth, according to the International OCD Foundation. These obsessions and compulsions usually focus on the baby and can involve worries about the baby getting hurt, contaminated, or lost. It can also include compulsive rituals or excessive avoidance, like not wanting to bathe or hold your baby for fear they’ll get hurt.
What are the symptoms for postpartum OCD?
According to the International OCD Foundation, symptoms of pOCD can include:
Obsessions involving the fear of harm coming to the unborn or newborn infant
Not wanting to tell others about obsessions for fear of being diagnosed with psychosis or being hospitalized
Fear that you might hurt the baby even when you don’t really want to
Compulsions meant to control or stop the obsessional thoughts, or to prevent fears from coming true like checking on the baby, doing excessive washing, and repeating prayers
Avoiding certain activities with the baby, like using the stairs or changing diapers
Feeling overwhelmed by the obsessions and compulsions
Feeling depressed
Needing to have a partner or helper nearby because of obsessional fear
Trouble sleeping because of obsessions and compulsive urges
Trouble taking care of the child
How long does this type of OCD last?
While it may get better over time, postpartum OCD is considered a lifelong condition.
How common is it?
Postpartum OCD happens in up to five percent of women, according to Cedars-Sinai.
What is the treatment for postpartum OCD?
Treatment largely focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to try to challenge how someone interprets their obsessional thoughts and reduce the use of compulsive rituals, the International OCD Foundation says. It can also be treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication, per the organization.
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