Postpartum psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a severe but treatable form of mental illness that occurs in the first few days and weeks after having a baby. It can get worse quickly and should always be treated as a medical emergency with timely assessment and treatment. Although rare, around 1-2 in every 1000 women will develop postpartum psychosis and it can occur in women without any mental health history. Women with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or previous history of psychosis are at an increased risk of developing postpartum psychosis.

Signs of postpartum psychosis

• Hallucinations - you may hear, see, feel or smell things that others cannot
• Delusions - you may hold new strong beliefs that other people do not share
• Confusion - you may experience racing thoughts
• Poor insight - you may not recognise that you are unwell
• Reduced need for sleep - you may experience increased energy levels

Treatment for postpartum psychosis

• Getting urgent help and assessment - usually this will be via your local Emergency Department.
• Referral to the Perinatal Mental Health team for ongoing support – usually via the professional who completed the initial assessment. 
• Medication – This would depend on the symptoms you are experiencing.  
• Treatment in hospital or Mother and Baby unit - A Mother and Baby Unit is a specialist psychiatric unit where mums with mental illness can go with their babies to receive specialist treatment whilst supporting your relationship with your baby.
• Electroconvulsive therapy - If you have severe symptoms of postpartum psychosis over a prolonged period of time that don’t seem to be improving despite medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be recommended.

Find out more information on postpartum psychosis on the Action on Postpartum Psychosis website.