Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe mental stress disorder that can occur after giving birth, causing hallucinations, irrational thoughts, and suicidal ideation. It is important to recognize it as different from postpartum depression and seek early treatment. Antipsychotic drugs and counseling can help, and family support is crucial. Women with a history of psychotic illnesses or little social support are at higher risk. Delayed treatment can prolong recovery time, and some mothers may refuse to seek help.
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe mental stress disorder that occurs within months of giving birth. A mother suffering from this condition may experience hallucinations, irrational thoughts, sleep deprivation or eating disorders. She may even consider killing herself or her newborn child. It is important that family members and friends recognize postpartum psychosis as a completely different condition from the more common postpartum depression or bablues. Both conditions may require some form of treatment, but postpartum psychosis can lead to a tragic outcome if not detected and treated quickly.
Postpartum psychosis has been recognized as a mental health disorder since the 1850s, although the most effective antipsychotic drug treatments have only been available since about the 1960s. This condition is very rare, occurring only once or twice in every 1,000 births. It is considered one of the most dangerous forms of postpartum stress disorder, however, many doctors encourage family members to take active steps to reduce stress in a new mother’s environment. This disorder is more likely to occur in mothers who receive little social support, face financial hardship, or suffer from poor self-image.
It is also said that women who have a history of psychotic illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, are more likely to develop this condition. Even if these psychotic illnesses only run in families and the woman is not actually affected, they can increase a woman’s susceptibility. Some medical experts suggest that some postpartum psychoses are triggered by an overabundance of birth-related hormones, which overwhelm the body’s natural coping mechanisms and cause the mental symptoms. Others say a mother can appear perfectly normal for weeks, then experience a sudden onset of psychological problems.
This disorder can be treated through a combination of antipsychotic drug therapies and intensive counseling sessions. As with other mental health conditions, many people are reluctant to acknowledge the possibility of a problem, so a number of mothers voluntarily refuse to seek treatment. Treatment for postpartum psychosis is most effective when started early. Any delays can add months to the mother’s recovery time. About 5% of mothers suffering from the condition attempt suicide, while another 4% consider killing their newborns. Family members should encourage mothers to confide in a doctor if they suspect they have developed a serious emotional condition.
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