26th April 2024

A 32-year-old woman, 10 weeks postpartum, visits the GP accompanied by her sister.

A 32-year-old woman, 10 weeks postpartum, visits the GP accompanied by her sister. She constantly worries about her baby’s health, often checking the baby’s breathing every few minutes and sanitising her hands excessively before touching the baby. She spends hours reading about infant diseases online and refuses to let anyone else hold her baby, fearing they might transmit infections. Despite reassurances from her health visitor, she is convinced her baby will become seriously ill. She has a past history of mild anxiety but no other psychiatric issues.

Which is the most likely diagnosis?