Written by Editorial Team
Postpartum psychosis is a severe and rare psychiatric disorder that affects some women shortly after giving birth. It is marked by a rapid onset of symptoms that can include hallucinations, delusions, severe mood swings, confusion, and disorganized behavior. Women with postpartum psychosis may experience intense fear, paranoia, and a loss of touch with reality.
The condition is considered a medical emergency due to the potential risks it poses to both the mother and the baby. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, which often involve a combination of medication, therapy, and hospitalization, are essential for ensuring the well-being and safety of the affected individual and their family.
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There will be lots of issues that can bother a woman during the postpartum period. This includes both physical and psychiatric.
Studies have shown, during the postpartum period almost 85% of the mothers come across some degree of mood disturbances. Most of these mood disturbances are not severe and last only a short time. Nevertheless, around 15% of the mothers develop a significant symptom of anxiety or psychiatric issues which last for a long time.
The psychiatric ailment during the postpartum period can be divided into three groups:
Of the three groups, the most severe form of psychiatric complaint that develops during the postpartum period is Postpartum psychosis.
Postpartum psychosis is a group of severe mental illness that affects a new mom during her postpartum period. Though it is a very severe condition, it rarely happens, like, one or two among thousand new mothers. The beginning of the symptoms happens generally within three days after giving birth to the baby. More symptoms surface within the first two weeks of postpartum. It can be an alarming episode for ladies, their accomplices, and loved ones.
Postpartum psychosis can happen to any woman. Sometimes, it happens ‘all of a sudden’ to a woman who has not been psychiatrically ill before. But, there are some risk factors that increase the chance to have postpartum psychosis. Such as:
There are several factors that can lead to postpartum psychosis.
The symptoms of postpartum psychosis generally is a mixture of symptoms of depression and symptoms of mania. These symptoms can change rapidly from hour to hour and from day to day. It also varies from one woman to another. Generally, a woman suffering from postpartum psychosis will be unaware of it. It is her close family members who notice the symptoms.
The earlier (onset) symptoms include:
Once the postpartum psychosis progresses (within the first two weeks of the postpartum period) the symptoms include:
Postpartum psychosis is considered a psychiatric emergency. So it is important to look out for help as soon as possible. Also, postpartum psychosis reacts well to the treatment. If left untreated, the condition will become too dangerous. There is a serious risk to the life of both the mother and the newborn baby.
Most of the mothers, if treated well, are found to recover within weeks. Of course, the pace of the recovery depends on the severity. But postpartum psychosis is entirely curable even if it takes more time in severe cases.
The risk of postpartum psychosis recurring in a woman’s successive deliveries is generally higher compared to the general population. Studies have shown that women who have experienced postpartum psychosis in previous pregnancies have an increased likelihood of experiencing it again in subsequent pregnancies. However, the exact recurrence rate can vary and is influenced by individual factors, so it’s important for women with a history of postpartum psychosis to receive proper monitoring, support, and treatment during subsequent pregnancies.
Postpartum psychosis can’t be prevented completely in all cases. Yet, there are several measures that can be taken to reduce the severity of postpartum psychosis if you know that you fall under the increased risk group.
The partner also needs some care as the postpartum psychosis of the mother can be stressful and upsetting for the father too. So ask him to find some ways to relax himself and cope with the situation and ensure him that his wife and child are going to be fine soon.
The exact triggers for postpartum psychosis are not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its onset. Hormonal fluctuations during and after childbirth, such as a rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, are believed to play a role. Other factors like sleep deprivation, a history of mental health conditions (such as bipolar disorder or previous episodes of psychosis), high levels of stress, and a lack of social support can also increase the risk. However, it’s important to note that triggers can vary from person to person, and it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive understanding of individual risk factors.
Postpartum psychosis itself does not directly turn into schizophrenia. While there may be some shared risk factors and overlapping symptoms between the two conditions, they are distinct and separate mental health disorders. However, in rare cases, individuals who have experienced postpartum psychosis may later develop schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder, but this progression is not typical for the majority of women who experience postpartum psychosis. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment if there are concerns about mental health.
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