Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental health condition that can develop after giving birth. It is also known as puerperal or postnatal psychosis.
Postpartum Psychosis
Experiencing this rare condition can be a truly frightening experience. But remember, with the right support, it really is possible to fully recover, and most people do. It is important to seek help as soon as possible if you experience symptoms.
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Signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis
The symptoms of postnatal psychosis will usually start within a few weeks after you give birth, this can feel very sudden.
You’re likely to have a mix of psychosis, mania and depression, if you experience postpartum psychosis.
You could feel:
- Excited or elated (manic)
- Restless
- Severely depressed
- Anxious or irritable
- Like your thoughts are racing
- Paranoid or suspicious of other people
- Like your mood is changing rapidly
- Confused or disoriented
You could feel a mix of these all at once. This can be scary to go through.
Your behaviour because of this could include:
- Being more social or reserved than usual
- Doing things you wouldn’t normally do
- Struggling to sleep or feeling like you don’t need to sleep, even when you have the chance
- Struggling to concentrate
- Experiencing psychotic symptoms, like delusions or hallucinations
What are delusions and hallucinations?
Delusions and hallucinations are parts of psychosis which you may go through.
Delusions, or being delusional are strong beliefs that other people don’t see or share. You could think that:
- Your thoughts are being read
- You’re being followed
- You’re very powerful and able to influence things outside of your control
- You have divine experiences or have special insights
These thoughts and delusions can be very frightening and can make you feel unsafe. Again, for example, you may feel like someone is watching you, trying to control you or you may even feel like someone is trying to kill you. These kinds of delusions are often called paranoid thinking or paranoid delusions.
Hallucinations are different as they are when you can experience things that other people around you don’t. For example, hearing voices, seeing visual hallucinations or other unexplained sensations.
CBT and Family Intervention
If you have psychosis and become pregnant, you may be at risk of experiencing psychotic symptoms again during your pregnancy. You may be offered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or family intervention to help prevent these symptoms.
Family intervention is a service that assists family members in discussing what helps, solving problems, and planning for a crisis. Your GP can find out if this service is available in your area.
Causes of postpartum psychosis
There is no clear evidence on what causes postpartum psychosis. Even if you have no history of mental health problems, you can still develop it.
You could be more likely to develop it if you have:
- A diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
- A family history of mental health problems, particularly a family history of postpartum psychosis or bipolar disorder
- A traumatic birth or pregnancy
- Experiences of postpartum psychosis before
- Stopped taking psychiatric medication during pregnancy
It is very important to talk to your doctor or midwife if you are at higher risk of developing postpartum psychosis and you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. It is advisable to do this even if you currently feel well. They can help you to put a plan in place if you do become unwell.
You could also show friends and family this information, so they can also look out for any developing symptoms.
Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) has several guides about postpartum psychosis. They also have some information about planning a pregnancy if you are at a higher risk of developing postpartum psychosis.
Treatments for postpartum psychosis
Your Doctor should discuss various treatments with you, so you can both make a decision about which choice will be best for you.
In some circumstances, your doctor may decide that treating you in a hospital is the best way to get the help you need. If it’s possible, you may be admitted to a mother and baby unit (MBU). You can stay there with your baby whilst getting treatment.
If you have symptoms of postpartum psychosis, you may not initially realise that you are becoming unwell.
However, if someone close to you is concerned that you’re experiencing postpartum psychosis, speak to your GP, midwife, or health visitor immediately.
Postpartum psychosis is a mental health emergency, and you should receive urgent attention. You may be referred to a specialist perinatal mental health service for prompt assessment and support.
Medication
Your doctor is most likely to prescribe an antipsychotic medication to manage your mood and psychotic symptoms promptly. They may also offer you an antidepressant.
Get support
Talk with a trained professional about your thoughts and feelings with out free counselling and private counselling service for people over the age of 18.