Post-partum psychosis

Abstract

Introduction

Postpartum psychosis (or puerperal psychosis) is a term that covers a group of mental illnesses with the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms following childbirth. A typical example occurs when after childbirth, a woman becomes irritable, has extreme mood swings and hallucinations with the possibility of needing psychiatric hospitalization. Often, out of fear of stigma or misunderstanding, women hide their condition.

Aims and objectives

To review the evidence regarding prophylactic treatment and acute management of postpartum psychosis and affective disorders in the puerperium.

Methods

Online search/review of the literature has been carried out, using Medline/Pubmed, concerning “postpartum psychosis”, “postpartum”, “mental disorders”, “mania” and “depression”.

Results

Postpartum psychosis is a rare and severe psychiatric condition requiring rapid restoration of health in view of significant risks to both mother and the infant. The known risk factors and negative consequences of postpartum psychosis point to the importance of preventive and acute treatment measures. The majority of patients who develop psychosis immediately following childbirth suffer from bipolar disorder.

Conclusions

Understanding the relationship between postpartum psychosis and affective disorders has implications for perinatal and long-term treatment. The rapid and accurate diagnosis of postpartum psychosis is essential to expedite appropriate treatment.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.