25 Oct 2006 01:14 AM

Postpartum psychosis: What is it?

by Beth McHugh | More from this Blogger

     

postpartum psychosisPostpartum psychosis is the most severe of the three postnatal conditions as outlined in Postpartum depression: What are the symptoms? It affects roughly one in 500 new mothers and generally manifests within the first fortnight after giving birth.

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The two predominant symptoms of postpartum psychosis are major depression and manic episodes. Severe manic or depressive episodes, often involving psychosis where the individual loses contact with reality, are a feature of the illness. It should not be confused with the milder depression symptoms experienced with postnatal depression.

The symptoms typically begin 2 to 3 days after delivery but may occur as late as one month after giving birth. Although the incidence of postpartum psychosis is low (approximately one in every 1000 births), these symptoms may be indicative that a full-blown psychosis or bipolar disorder is imminent.

Where a new mother develops such symptoms, the odds of her going on to experience another episode with later births are 50%. That is, she has a one in two risk that subsequent births will result in similar symptoms occurring. Often a severe postpartum episode assists in the prediction of a future mood disorder. Having prior knowledge of the likelihood of later episodes of major depression and/or manic episodes is a useful preventative tool, as medical intervention can occur earlier and with more positive results. Early recognition of the likelihood of this illness reoccurring is important as a small proportion of mothers may harm either themselves or the baby. Hence, foreknowledge is important in cases such as these.

Postpartum psychosis is a serious illness requiring psychiatric assessment and medication. A stay in hospital is usually mandatory, preferably in a unit which allows mother and baby to remain in close contract under supervision. The recovery rate for this condition is excellent, although as previously noted, signs of recurrence during subsequent pregnancies should be monitored.

Associated articles:

Postpartum Depression: What are the symptoms?

Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (1)

Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (2)

Postpartum depression: Effects on relationships (3)

Fathers and Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression: Effects on the Marriage

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Beth McHugh began her career as a geologist and worked both in industry and as a university researcher.

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5 comments so far

Gwyllum (301) 25 Oct 2006 05:32 AM

Beth, your article is informative and also an important message to get out there. In my professional life, I have been involved with women experiencing postpartum psychosis. I am aware that sadly, the effect of this serious illness may not only lead to the mother's behaviour being a significant risk to herself and/or her baby, but also to other young children she may have. Less stigma and more accurate imformation about many mental health issues is so needed. Sue Bayliss.

Beth McHugh (12149) 25 Oct 2006 03:18 PM

Hi Sue, less stigma about mental illness is definitely the way to go, you might like to read http://mental-health.families.com/blog/takingthestigmaoutofmentalillness

QueenAngie Central Illinois, USA (55611) 25 Oct 2006 04:59 PM

Good points on this illness!

Moms need to get the medical help they need ASAP.

What I cannot understand is how these moms with 5 kids keep getting pregnant, and end up killing their children. Why the safeguards are not in place so this never happens. And why they continue to get pg when the husband/boyfriend knows about their mental condition post pg.

Beth McHugh (12149) 26 Oct 2006 12:28 AM

It's difficult to answer this question, Queen Angie. P-P Psychosis does not necessarily occur with each pregnancy, plus there are reasons other than postpartum psychosis for killing one's own children. These situations are a tragedy for all parties, as the woman committing this act is suffering from a mental illness which is beyond her control at that time, and she must live with the consequences when she is not experiencing an episode. There are no winners in these circumstances. Fortunately female infanticide is relatively rare.

Lucky7 (190) 26 Oct 2006 04:23 PM

This series on PPD and postpartum psychosis has been really useful. Thanks, Beth!

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