Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis occurs in 1 to 2 of every 1,000 births. The onset of the psychosis is usually within the first two weeks to three months after birth.
Immediate treatment is crucial as there is a 5 percent rate of suicide/infanticide associated with postpartum psychosis.
Onset is sudden and symptoms include:
- Delusions and/or hallucinations
- Extreme agitation
- Hyperactivity
- Insomnia
- Rapid mood changes
- Confusion/poor judgement
- Irrationality
- Difficulty remembering or concentrating
Risk factors include: previous postpartum psychosis or depressions; manic-depressive (bipolar) history; prenatal stressors such as low socioeconomic status and lack of a supportive partner or social support; obsessive personality traits; family history of a mood disorder.
Postpartum psychosis is treatable. Read more about treatment options.
