Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a severe but treatable form of mental illness that begins suddenly in the days and weeks after having a baby. Many women report that symptoms appear within three days of having baby. For some people the illness develops very quickly, and it is obvious that something is wrong. For others, things can happen more gradually. However almost ALL mothers recover after postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum Psychosis

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary between women and women may not suffer with all symptoms.

Hallucinations– Hallucinations are when you hear, see, feel or smell things that are not there, or that others cannot. This can include hearing voices that could be nice or nasty, feeling things crawling on your skin or seeing things other people don’t.

Delusions– Delusions are strong beliefs that others do not share. There are many different types of delusion

Mania– Mania is when you have a very high mood, behave in an over active and excited way that has a significant impact on your day-to-day life.

Confusion– Your thoughts might feel as if they are going so fast they are out of control. You may also feel that your mind is moving very quickly from one idea to the next, making links and connections that other people don’t see. This is called severe confusion or disorganised thinking.

Feeling:

  • excited, elated or ‘high’
  • depressed, anxious or confused
  • very irritable, agitated, restless
  • paranoid or suspicious of what people are doing and why
  • as if everyday events or stories on the TV or radio have special personal meaning
  • very energetic and like a ‘super-mum’
  • as if you don’t need to sleep

You may also:

  • be very talkative, sociable or on the phone an excessive amount
  • talk very fast and stumble over your words
  • find it difficult to keep your attention on one thing, changing the topic of conversation quickly
  • be very withdrawn
  • behave in a way that is out of character and out of control
  • have trouble sleeping or not want to sleep
  • lose your inhibitions
  • experience rapid changes in mood

Effects

Postpartum psychosis can have a profound impact on mothers, affecting their ability to bond with their baby and manage daily tasks. Some mothers may feel frightened, confused, or detached from reality, which can make it difficult to care for themselves or their newborn. The experience can also lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or isolation, particularly if the mother is unaware she is unwell or if those around her do not recognise the signs. Prompt support and understanding from family, friends, and healthcare professionals are crucial in helping mothers begin the recovery process.

Treatments

Medication these can include anti depressants, anti psychotics.

In-Patient psychiatric care typically in a Mother and baby unit with specialised care if one is available.

Electroconvulsive Therapy- This is a last resort treatment, if all other treatments are not helping. They do this under general anaesthetic and pass electrical currents through the woman’s brain to help relieve symptoms.

Talking therapy for example CBT to help with the recovery process of postpartum psychosis.

Help

If you suspect you or someone you know has Postpartum Psychosis please call 111, or contact your GP for help

However if you feel you/they are in immediate danger please go to A&E or call 999.