Postpartum Psychosis

July 6, 2018

Postpartum psychosis is a very serious mental illness that usually starts in the days or weeks after birth.

You may not be able to look after yourself or your baby very well. There are many different symptoms, which include:

feeling severely depressed
being manic – excessively energetic and talkative
quick changes of mood
feeling very confused
feeling restless and agitated
finding yourself very withdrawn
not sleeping
racing thoughts
hallucinations
delusional thoughts or beliefs
feeling paranoid and suspicious of other people
behavior that is out of character
feeling suicidal
thinking about harming yourself or your baby.

If you have postpartum psychosis you won’t necessarily experience all of these symptoms.

Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency, so you should get help as soon as you suspect you might have it. Although it can happen to any woman, even those who have not been ill before, those who have existing bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are at higher risk.

With treatment, the vast majority of women recover fully from postpartum psychosis.

How common is it?

Around one in every thousand women develops postpartum psychosis after giving birth.

What should I do?

Postpartum psychosis is an emergency. Some women become very unwell very quickly. If you suspect that you (or someone you know) may have postpartum psychosis, contact your General Doctor or your mental health team and ask to be seen the same day. Likewise, you can go immediately to A&E.

If you have an existing mental health disorder make sure everyone in your healthcare team is aware of it, especially if you have bipolar disorder or a schizoaffective disorder, which increases your risk of getting postpartum psychosis.

“When my son was just born, I developed psychosis. I heard him crying in the house even when he was out on a walk with the nanny. My husband took me to see a doctor and I was given antipsychotic medication.” —Jody, Hudson Valley NY

Risk factors for postpartum psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is not caused by anything you’ve done. Some women who have never had a mental health problem before can develop postpartum psychosis. However, you are at greater risk of getting postpartum psychosis if:

you have had bipolar disorder
you have had a diagnosis of schizophrenia or another psychotic illness
a close relative has had postpartum psychosis.

Can I do anything to prevent postpartum psychosis?

If you have one of the mental health problems mentioned, be proactive and start treatment which may prevent you getting postpartum psychosis. Also, if you’re receiving treatment be sure to communicate that to your baby doctor, mid-wife and members of your birthing team.

They will also make a plan with you to make sure you stay as well as possible, and that you get help quickly if you do become unwell.

Treatment for postpartum psychosis

When symptoms are recognized, it’s essential to get treatment as soon as possible. Also, quick treatment will usually result in good recovery. Usually, treatment consists of medication and you may need to find admittance to a specialist treatment facility or hospitals with psychiatric mother and baby units so your baby can stay with you. If you are breastfeeding, talk to the doctor treating you about the risks and benefits of take medication while breastfeeding.

More information and support

Action on Postpartum Psychosis: app-network.org has information and support. Additionally, it has an online chatroom along with peer support networks.

D’Amore Healthcare specialized postpartum psychosis treatment facility for women. Located in the beach communities of southern California, our fully accredited treatment facility specializes in providing care that can fully tailor to your needs. Since we have staff available who will work hard to help you get better, you can rest assured that D’Amore Healthcare will stop at nothing to help you or someone you know overcome postpartum psychosis.

You don’t need to let mental illness control your life or the life of a loved on. Reach out to us today at 714.375.1110 to verify your insurance and get started on the road to recovery.

Edited For Accuracy By:

Jennifer Carpenter

Jennifer is a Certified Treatment Executive (CTE) and holds credentials in the behavioral health field to include certifications as a Qualified Mental Health Specialist and a Certified Admissions and Marketing Specialist with CCAPP.

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20:35 18 Dec 18

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20:37 28 Nov 18

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18:58 26 Nov 18

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Michael Yamashiro

22:54 23 Nov 18

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01:21 20 Nov 18

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21:59 19 Nov 18

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01:40 14 Nov 18

If you're looking of short-term care, D'Amore is the place to go! The staff are kind, compassionate, and honest. They work to relate to you, and are people you can turn to. You get a chef prepared dinner every night- and the Chef is an awesome human being as well as a great human being. If structure is what you seek, this is the place for you. It can take a bit of reminding sometimes if you make a request, so your stay will provide an excellent opportunity to learn to advocate for yourself!! I felt community and belonging here. I learned to start trusting again. The staff truly cares about their clients and you can feel it. You may feel stifled and overprotected, but when you leave the world seems a bit colder. D'Amore lives up to it's name as well as it's denote 'foundling'; an abandoned infant discovered and cared for by others. You WILL find a sense of home and family here!!read more

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20:55 24 Oct 18

As a professional in the recovery field, I wholeheartedly recommend D’Amore Healthcare as one of the top and most trusted primary mental health and dual diagnosis treatment programs in the recovery community today. D’Amore takes great pride in their Build Me Up program which fosters behavioral and cognitive change through gracious redundancy of positive reinforcement, meditative work (a program focused on recalibrating the circadian rhythm), intensive group work and interdisciplinary treatment team as well as their conservative, phased approach to medication. D’Amore offers engaging outings that challenge the patient's on a daily basis, individualized treatment plans and nutritious chef prepared meals that cater to those with special dietary needs. D'Amore is a professional yet nurturing and warm environment.read more

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13:22 22 Aug 18

I was a patient at D'Amore for 30 days. Over those 30 days, I participated in the best treatment program and made lasting relationships that I'll never forget.If you suffer from mental-health, dependency or substance abuse issues, D'Amore can help. I've personally witnessed countless patients enter the program a figment of their past selves, and conclude the program a completely changed (for the better) individual. Able to re-enter the world a changed, more confident self. Myself being one of them.I owe a great deal to this program. I have found the tools and gained the knowledge to overcome my mental-health concerns while in treatment here. The staff is first-class, the activities are fun and engaging, the environment safe and clean, and group therapy really helps conquer whatever it is you're dealing with.There is zero doubt, I made the right decision to seek help at D'Amore. Thank you D'Amore, and thank you Erin, and Jennifer for your continued support! Even after treatment.read more

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21:00 03 Aug 18

Everything from different types of groups to the atmosphere, to meeting with the psychiatrist made D'Amore unlike any other mental health care facility that I have ever been to. Dr El was honestly the best psychiatrist. I feel like he really listened to me as an individual rather then just another patient and that made me feel so much more comfortable every time I met with him. I love all the medical staff which were very helpful and always educated me on my medications and checked up on me to make sure I was doing well. I can't thank D'Amore enough for giving me that extra love and attention I needed to bring myself back from the dark place I was in. Thank you again so much D'Amore!!!read more

J.D. W

20:48 29 Jun 18

D’Amore – What a blessing! From in-take to discharge – great experience. In a time of need, they have gone above & beyond to assist our family, provide lifelong tools, answer questions, explain everything in great detail & have wonderful medical care. Each & every staff member, I have been in contact has been kind & compassionate willing to help & guide me through each situation. The staff is knowledgeable, organized, qualified professionals that show genuine concern for each patient. The facilities are clean, well-organized, great food & are a safe environment. D’Amore thank you for all of your help, we wouldn’t be where we are today, with out you all.read more

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