You probably know about postpartum depression, a mood disorder that can develop after a baby’s birth that can leave new mothers feeling sad, anxious and unable to face the day, along with other possible symptoms. But postpartum psychosis, though rare, is another form of postpartum illness that you may not have heard of.
Postpartum psychosis is the type of serious mental break that requires immediate attention, which is why it’s so important to become familiar with what it looks like so you can act right away. Read on for more about this condition, including its causes, signs and how it’s diagnosed, so you or someone you know can get the necessary treatment.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is a very severe form of mental illness that develops in about one or two of every 1,000 women.
This condition usually begins within the first two weeks of the baby’s arrival, though signs may be noticed in as little as two days. Extremely alarming, dramatic symptoms are typical of this condition, which may result in harm to the mother or infant.
What causes postpartum psychosis?
The causes of postpartum psychosis are difficult to pin down, but both physical and emotional changes likely play a role. For one, after giving birth, a woman's body experiences a huge drop in two hormones, estrogen and progesterone. These major physical changes can contribute to feelings of fatigue, tension and depression.
If you or a family member has a history of depression or bipolar disorder, or you’re currently being treated for it, your risk of postpartum psychosis increases. Other factors that can play a role are sleep deprivation, anxiety, restlessness or feeling overwhelmed by baby care.
Women who lack support from family and friends, have troubled relationships or who experience sudden life changes (a death in the family, a move to a new state, illness, job loss, money woes) may also be more at risk for postpartum depression or psychosis. A multiple birth, a baby born with health problems or difficulty breastfeeding may also contribute.
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What are the symptoms of postpartum psychosis?
In the majority of women, postpartum psychosis is related to bipolar illness, so symptoms may mimic the extreme mood swings (mania, depression) of this condition. Signs of postpartum psychosis also include:
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Iritability
- Erratic behavior
- Agitation
- Paranoia
A woman with postpartum psychosis may also have obsessive thoughts about her baby and experience hallucinations (hearing or seeing imaginary things).
Although not all women have the same symptoms, and some people with this condition never experience thoughts of violence, life-threatening behavior may be taken by a mother acting on postpartum psychosis delusions, which is why it's so important to seek help right away.
How does postpartum psychosis differ from other postpartum mental health conditions?
Postpartum psychosis is much less common and much more concerning. This illness is considered an emergency and is more serious than a case of the baby blues, for example, which can come and go in the early days after childbirth and then subside in a week or so without treatment.
Because of the rapid onset of severe symptoms (extreme paranoia, mood swings, hallucinations) and the fact that postpartum psychosis could lead to devastating outcomes, this condition requires immediate diagnosis and treatment.
How is postpartum psychosis diagnosed?
The first step toward diagnosing a postpartum mental health issue is an evaluation by a medical professional. Your physician may order a blood test to see whether you have a thyroid condition or other health issue that’s contributing to your mood swings.
Talking with a doctor can help determine whether you have a condition such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety or a more serious case of psychosis. As part of this discussion, you may be asked a set of questions called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to help screen and diagnose the severity of your condition.
How is postpartum psychosis treated?
Immediate admission to a hospital or other in-patient facility is often an important part of treating postpartum psychosis. Once there, antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers or tranquilizers may be prescribed to control extreme symptoms. Unfortunately, some of these medications aren’t compatible with breastfeeding.
Very severe cases of postpartum psychosis may require electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) if medication doesn’t help. With ECT treatment, small electrical currents pass through the brain to cause a short seizure, alter the brain’s chemistry and alleviate symptoms.
As scary as postpartum psychosis sounds, keep in mind that this condition is quite rare and definitely treatable. With rapid intervention and the right medications, symptoms can be relieved.
The following resources offer more information and support if you or someone you know may be suffering from postpartum psychosis:
- Office on Women's Health (800-994-9662)
- Postpartum Support International (800-944-4PPD)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (800-950-NAMI)
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