Postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a severe form of mental illness that can develop after having a baby. It affects around one in every 1,000 mums and is treatable, but can be terrifying to experience.
This page contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Postnatal psychosis (PP) - or puerperal psychosis - means psychosis after childbirth.
It can develop suddenly, causing you to have hallucinations and delusional thinking, and can affect women who’ve never had mental health issues before.
According to the charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis, symptoms usually begin in the first few days to weeks after the baby is born.
It can get worse very quickly and is regarded as a serious mental illness, so should always be treated as a medical emergency.
What are the symptoms of postpartum psychosis?
People experiencing psychosis will perceive or interpret things differently from those around them. The two key psychotic symptoms are:
Hallucinations – hearing or seeing things that aren't there; a common hallucination is hearing voices.
Delusions – thoughts or beliefs that are unlikely to be true, for example believing you've won the lottery, or that your baby is connected to God.
Someone with postpartum psychosis may also behave in a way that is out of character. Other common symptoms include:
- Talking and thinking too much or too quickly, or being more sociable than normal.
- A loss of inhibitions.
- Feelings of paranoia.
- Restlessness or agitation.
- Feeling depressed or withdrawn or tearful, with a lack of energy, loss of appetite, anxiety, irritability or trouble sleeping
- Severe confusion.
- Feeling that stories on TV or the radio have special personal meaning.
- Behaving in a way that is out of control.
How serious is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental illness and must be treated urgently.
Without medical help it can get worse very quickly and cause a mum to neglect or harm her baby, or harm herself.
If you think you have PP, contact your doctor immediately and arrange to see them that day. If your symptoms are very severe and you feel there is imminent danger, call 999.
Some women may not realise they have postpartum psychosis. As such it could be up to your partner or family member to take action and seek urgent medical help.
Who is postpartum psychosis most likely to affect?
Postpartum psychosis can affect you even if you've never experienced mental illness before.
The exact cause isn't known but it's thought to be linked to fluctuations in hormones related to pregnancy and childbirth.
The NHS says that postpartum psychosis is more likely to affect women who:
- have had postpartum psychosis before.
- already have a serious mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
- have a relative who has experienced psychosis (even if the woman herself has no mental illness).
Once a woman develops postpartum psychosis, there's a high chance she will have another episode after other pregnancies.
Is postpartum psychosis treatable?
The majority of women with postpartum psychosis make a full recovery, and often very quickly, provided they receive the right treatment. This could include:
Hospital treatment
Most women with PP need to be treated in hospital, and ideally in a specialist Mother & Baby Unit.
This is a psychiatric unit where mothers with mental illness are admitted with their babies. You'll receive treatment and also be supported in caring for your baby.
Medication
You could be prescribed one or more of the following drugs:
Antidepressants - they balance mood-altering chemicals in the brain. It can help ease symptoms such as low mood, irritability, lack of concentration and sleeplessness, allowing you to function normally and cope better with your baby.
Antipsychotic (neuroleptic) medication - they block the psychotic effect of dopamine (a chemical that transmits messages in the brain) which is found to be high in those experiencing psychosis.
Mood stabilising drug - you could be prescribed a mood stabilising drug, such as lithium. If lithium is prescribed, regular blood tests are needed at least every three months to make sure lithium levels are not too high or low.
How long does it take to recover from postpartum psychosis?
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the most severe symptoms tend to last anywhere between two to 12 weeks.
A full recovery can take between six to 12 months.
You might need help practical help caring for your baby while you are experiencing postpartum psychosis.
You might also need support while you bond with your baby. It's totally normal to lack confidence with your baby and your role as a mum after postpartum psychosis.
If you feel like this, talk to your health visitor or your GP and they can advise you on where to get that support.
Where to get help
Contact your GP immediately if you think you, or someone you know, may have developed postnatal psychosis.
If this isn't possible, call NHS 111 or your local out-of-hours service.
If you think there's a danger of imminent harm, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
For more help and support, contact:
Action Postpartum Psychosis or PANDAS (Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support)
