Postpartum Psychosis

Psychosis is a severe mental illness that is often described as a "loss of touch with reality". If the first episode of psychosis occurs shortly after a birth, then it is termed as postpartum psychosis. Postpartum psychosis is far less common than depression and occurs in 1-2 per 1000 mothers. Psychosis may be mild, or if severe, may incapacitate a mother leaving her unable to care for herself or her baby.

The symptoms of postpartum psychosis include:

  • Odd beliefs and thoughts which are known as delusions. These are false beliefs that are unshakeable and not amenable to reason. They may be paranoid beliefs that someone may cause harm, or of a grandiose nature (i.e. the mother may have an unusually high opinion of herself or her capabilities).
  • A mother with postpartum psychosis may also have strange ideas about the baby and may not look after the infant, be irritable with the baby or sometimes may even be a little aggressive.
  • She may have hallucinations. Hallucinations are hearing voices which in reality do not exist. A mother may be seen muttering or gesturing to herself which may indicate that she is hearing voices.
  • Women with postpartum psychosis may not be able to organize their thoughts.
  • Conversations may become odd and difficult to follow.
  • Frequently people with psychosis are unaware they have become unwell. This can present a problem for family to convince the patient to get help.
  • There will be changes in sleep and appetite.
  • Patient may refuse to maintain hygiene.
  • The woman may become aggressive and refuse to nurse the baby and occasionally there may be a risk of harm to the baby.
  • Some women may experience suicidal thoughts.

What causes postpartum psychosis?

There is no single cause. The changing hormone levels are probably the main cause. Women who have a pre-existing  serious mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, are at higher risk. Other possible reasons or contributing factors include a lack of social and emotional support. Stress also plays a role.

Treating Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is considered to be a mental health emergency and therefore requires immediate attention. Women who suffer from the postpartum psychosis are not always able or willing to speak with someone about their problems. Family members need to be understanding and should care for the mother.

The condition is treated with medications. If a woman is thought to pose a threat to herself or others, she will likely be  hospitalized for a short time. Many women can also benefit from psychological counseling in addition to medication.  With proper care, most women are able to recover from their disorder.