What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis, also called puerperal psychosis (PP) is a rare, but severe, mental illness which has a sudden onset in the first few weeks following childbirth. It affects about one in 500 to 1000 new mothers and approximately 1300 women experience PP each year in the UK.
Women with PP may experience several of the following symptoms:
• High mood (mania): Over excited, inability to sleep, racing thoughts or pressure to talk too much
• Low mood (depression): Lack of energy, poor appetite and poor sleep
• Psychotic symptoms such as believing things that are not true (delusions) or seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)
• Extreme confusion.
With treatment, the vast majority of women will recover fully and there is little evidence of any long term effects on the relationship between a mother and her baby.
What causes postpartum psychosis?
Unfortunately we know little about the causes of PP. Most evidence points to biological, probably hormonal, factors related to pregnancy and childbirth but many other factors are likely to be involved.
The known risk factors for developing PP are having a personal or family history of PP or bipolar disorder. Women who have had PP have a 60 per cent chance of developing PP when they have another child. Women who have bipolar disorder have a 25-50 per cent chance of developing PP when they have their first child.
How Postpartum Psychosis might affect you
Frightened
Confused
Irritated
Suspicious
Elated
Low
Neglecting personal hygiene and care of baby
Seeing things that are not there
Hearing voices when
people aren’t there
Excessive energy
Always on the go
Full of energy
Excited
Difficulty sleeping
Tension
Hard to concentrate
Loss of energy
Exhaustion
My food is poisoned
People are out to get me
I can’t trust anyone
I have a special mission
My baby is evil
My baby will save the world
I can communicate with other worlds
Isolating self
Avoiding people
Getting into arguments
What can help?
Psychosis can be managed effectively and most people with PP make a good recovery, but there is not yet a cure. Here are some suggestions for managing psychosis:
• PP is a major mental illness and usually requires inpatient treatment
• It is preferable for treatment to take place in a mother and baby inpatient setting
• Taking medication regularly as prescribed by your doctor is essential for recovery
• Breastfeeding may not be possible because of the need for medication, please discuss this with your doctor
• Sleep and rest is also a very important part of treatment
• Support in caring for the baby is essential in the early stages of recovery
• Breastfeeding may not be the best choice for you and your baby during recovery
• Talk to the staff about your thoughts and feelings
• Look after yourself by having a balanced diet and exercise
• Learn to calm yourself by doing relaxation exercises
• Talk to your friends and family and get support
• It can be helpful to talk to other women who have had similar experiences. Action for puerperal psychosis is a network for women who have experienced PP, you can visit their website at: www.app-network.org.
Planning on extending your family?
• Reliable contraception is recommended during recovery
• It is advisable to speak to your doctor before having another baby so that you can be fully informed and a comprehensive plan is put in place.
If you are concerned about your feelings or experiences please speak to a member of staff.