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Occurs in 1-2 of every 1,000 births
Onset is usually within the first two weeks- three months
Symptoms include:
- Acute onset of psychotic symptoms including
- Delusions and/or hallucinations
- Extreme agitation
- Hyperactivity
- Insomnia
- Severe mood swings
- Confusion/ Poor judgment
- Irrationality
- Difficulty remembering/concentrating
Risk Factors include: 1) previous postpartum psychosis, 2) manic-depressive
(bipolar) history, 3) prenatal stressors (lack of supportive partner, social
support, low socioeconomic status),
4) obsessive personality traits, 5) family history of mood disorder.
Women with a history of bipolar illness have a 40% chance of developing
Postpartum Psychosis after their first child is born.
Almost all women with previous episodes of Postpartum Psychosis will
experience repeat episodes in subsequent pregnancies. Preparing for this
ahead of time is key.
Treatments include: 1) hospitalization with 2) antipsychotic medication and 3)
temporary removal of infant from mother's care; also 4) psychotherapy, and 5)
social support and support groups.
There is a 10% rate of suicide/infanticide associated with this disorder.
Thus, immediate treatment is imperative.
Women are 20-30 times more likely to be hospitalized for a psychotic episode
in the first 30 days after delivery than at any other time in their life.