Postpartum Psychosis

What is it?

Postpartum psychosis is also known as puerperal psychosis. It is a severe mental health condition experienced by women in the days or weeks after giving birth. It can happen to any woman. This is whether or not they have previously experienced mental health challenges. It can be a very scary and worrying time for the mother, her partner and others.

It is different to postnatal depression and is much less common,. Women usually recover fully after several weeks; however in some cases it can last longer.

According to The Royal College of Psychiatrists, around 1 in 1,000 women will experience postpartum psychosis.

What are the signs of postpartum psychosis?

Someone with postpartum psychosis may experience hallucinations or delusions. A delusion is when someone has a false belief that other people don’t share. Such as believing they are someone else. Or that they have the ability to control things like nature or the weather. Hallucinations are when someone hears or sees things, or tastes, smells or senses things, which others don’t experience.

Other signs of postpartum psychosis include having an inability to concentrate or sleep, with feelings of restlessness. They may feel extreme mood changes, such as excited and elated, to severely depressed and confused.

What should I do if I think I have postpartum psychosis?

It is important that you get help and support as soon as possible; you can speak to someone you trust. It is important that you also get help from a GP as quickly as possible. Treatment usually involves being given an antipsychotic drug. This will help to reduce symptoms and manage your mood, sometimes an anti-depressant may also be prescribed.

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