Postpartum psychosis

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Postpartum psychosis
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Delusions, hallucinations, mania, depression, confusion
Complications N/A
Onset Within 2 weeks after childbirth
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes Unknown, but risk factors include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and family history
Risks Previous history of postpartum psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, family history
Diagnosis Clinical evaluation
Differential diagnosis Postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia
Prevention N/A
Treatment Hospitalization, antipsychotic medication, mood stabilizers, electroconvulsive therapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Good with treatment, but risk of recurrence in future pregnancies
Frequency 1 to 2 per 1000 births
Deaths N/A


Depressed woman
Complete blood count and differential

Postpartum psychosis[edit]

Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental illness that can affect a woman after she has a baby. It causes her to lose touch with reality. You might also hear it called puerperal psychosis or postnatal psychosis.

Symptoms[edit]

Symptoms of postpartum psychosis can be divided into early and late onset. Early onset symptoms include restlessness, irritability, and insomnia. Late onset symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and often symptoms of mania or depression.

Early onset[edit]

  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia

Late onset[edit]

  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Mania
  • Depression

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of postpartum psychosis is unknown. However, it's likely that a combination of physical, genetic, and emotional factors contribute to the condition.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for postpartum psychosis involves medication, therapy, and, in severe cases, hospitalization.

Medication[edit]

Medication can include antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and, in some cases, antidepressants.

Therapy[edit]

Therapy can help the woman to understand and cope with her symptoms. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other types of therapy.

Hospitalization[edit]

In severe cases, the woman may need to be hospitalized until her symptoms are under control.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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Postpartum_psychosis images[edit]

Thymatron IV
Olanzapine Mylan 10mg

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