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Postpartum Psychosis

Introduction First recognized as a disorder in 1850, postpartum psychosis is a very serious mental condition that requires immediate medical attention. Interestingly, studies on the rates of the disorder have shown that the number of women experiencing postpartum psychosis hasnt changed since the mid 1800s. While it is the most extreme form of postpartum mood disorders, postpartum psychosis is also one of the rarest. Usually described as a period when a woman loses touch with reality, the disorder occurs in women who have recently given birth. It affects between one and two women per 1,000 women who have given birth. Unfortunately, though many women with the disorder realize something is wrong with them, fewer than 20% actually speak to their healthcare provider. Sadder still is the fact that often postpartum psychosis is misdiagnosed or thought to be postpartum depression, thereby preventing a woman from receiving the appropriate medical attention that she needs. Women who do receive proper treatment often respond well but usually experience postpartum depression before completely recovering. However, without treatment, the psychosis can lead to tragic consequences. Postpartum psychosis has a 5% suicide rate and a 4% infanticide rate.

Symptoms Although the onset of symptoms can occur at anytime within the first three months after giving birth, women who have postpartum psychosis usually develop symptoms within the first two to three weeks after delivery. Postpartum psychosis symptoms usually appear quite suddenly; in 80% of cases, the psychosis occurs three to 14 days after a symptom-free period. Signs of postpartum psychosis include: Hallucinations (visual/auditory)hearing, seeing, feeling and even smelling things that arent really thereoften characterized by voices or a vision of someone instructing the mother to kill the baby. Inability to distinguish between reality and hallucinations; when hallucinating, fully believing what she is thinking, hearing and/or seeing represents reality Delusion

Illogical thoughts (Paranoia and irrational/delusional thoughts/fears, such as denial of the babys birth or other random feelings of suspicion that can cause violent behavior. In the midst of a violently psychotic episode, some even seem to gain superhuman powers)

Insomnia Refusing to eat Extreme feelings of anxiety and agitation Periods of delirium or mania Suicidal or homicidal thoughts

Risk Factors/causes Women with a personal history of psychosis, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia have an increased risk of developing postpartum psychosis. Likewise, women who have a family history of psychosis, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia have a greater chance of developing the disorder. Additionally, women who have had had a past incidence of postpartum psychosis are between 20% and 50% more likely of experiencing it again in a future pregnancy. Experts arent exactly sure why postpartum psychosis happens. However, they do offer a variety of explanations for the disorder, with a womans changing hormones being at the top of their list. Other possible reasons or contributing factors include a lack of social and emotional support; a low sense of self-esteem due to a womans postpartum appearance; feeling inadequate as a mother; feeling isolated and alone; having financial problems; and undergoing a major life change which a woman was not used to of before giving birth to child.

Treatment Postpartum psychosis is considered to be a mental health emergency and therefore requires immediate attention. Because women who suffer from the psychosis are not always able or willing to speak with someone about their disorder, it is sometimes necessary that their partner or another family member help them get the medical attention they need. The condition is usually treated with medications, typically antipsychotic drugs and sometimes antidepressants and/or anti anxiety drugs. If a woman is thought to pose a threat to her or others, she will likely be hospitalized for a short time. Many women can also benefit from psychological counseling and support group therapy. With proper care, most women are able to recover from their disorder.

With this Family support, and educating the family regarding what has occurred is also extremely important. It is important that the affected individual not be labeled a bad mother.

Prevention Postpartum psychosis is difficult might be difficult but its prevention is not that difficult. Physician to which mother is consulting during pregnancy or a psychiatrist should be acquainted with the patient as a person, not just patient. And should try to identify the personality of patient, that how she deals with problems. In short, the doctor and family need to be with the mother in every situation and take very good care of her. Counsel her in period of pregnancy and try to satisfy her in worries.

http://www.pregnancy-info.net/postpartum_psychosis.html http://www.depression-guide.com/postpartum-psychosis.htm