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finding yourself very withdrawn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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D'Amore Healthcare

4.6

Stephen Sumney

17:34 25 Jun 24

I was suicidal when admitted. Although I have lent complete the program yet I’m compelled yo write a review.Sweet and brief: I cannot express clearly with words how impressed I have been with every single person affiliated with the program. Top to bottom you will find genuine, caring people all with great smiles.Just the other day I described to my therapist Paul my feelings that “I’ve had some of the best days of my life” in their care!As strange as that might sound it’s the absolute truth. I feel like I’m being reincarnated into the person inside me that’s been hurt and hiding for a lifetime.I’m so grateful for the personal discoveries!Stephenread more

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18:37 15 May 24

I can't say how grateful my family is for this wonderful organization. Last fall a family member was in very bad shape on a number of levels (mental health, addiction), and hit rock bottom. We were referred to D'Amore. A crisis team came out to help us late on a Thursday night. Our loved one agreed to go to treatment. Friday afternoon D'Amore sent a team to bring them to their facility (they helped pack whatever was needed, clothing, etc, and assured them it's a safe place, and allayed their anxiety). What happened over the next few months was amazing. The entire staff is very professional, and really cares.read more

Levi Ares

17:26 14 Mar 24

With the proper commitment to positive growth, D’Amore is a place that WILL give you the necessary education, guidance, grace, and support to set you up for success. When looking for programs, my family was recommended D’Amore from two separate unaffiliated programs. As someone who has been to other programs, within my first few days I knew change was going to happen and STAY consistent as long as I did the work. I cannot praise the program and staff enough for how life changing my experience was. If you are ready for the help, D’Amore is the place to receive it.read more

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21:07 15 Aug 23

I cannot say enough good things about D’Amore Healthcare. My daughter attended their program Spring of 2023 and the results have been truly life changing. She had been to numerous treatment facilities in the past but none of them produced the amazing results D’Amore did. From our first contact with the staff, I could tell how caring and knowledgeable they all were. My phone calls and texts were always returned and all my questions and concerns were promptly and professionally handled. My daughter talks very highly about the treatment and care she received there. I wish we would have found them years ago but will forever be thankful for their help.read more

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I went here around 3 months ago at age 20 for 35 days with severe depression and anxiety, hopeless that I could ever change or get better. Now, however, I feel like it's safe to say that my brain was literally rewired. My old ways of thinking changed andtreatment started me fresh, from square one. The daily education on mental health really helped too and I feel more introspective and more myself than ever. I have new, healthy ways to cope with my anxiety. My life was literally turned around for the better. This almost feels like the beginning of my life, especially now that I see that it's worth living again. Thank you D'Amore.read more

Maricela Marshall

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19:46 10 Mar 20

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21:32 10 Jan 20

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Ann Amaral

21:41 08 Jan 20

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22:27 06 Jan 20

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D'Amore honestly changed my life. The staff/therapists/clinical are all amazing people that truly care about each individual. They gave me the tools to change the way I see the world. They never gave up on me and I cannot thank them enough.read more

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22:51 04 Oct 19

D’Amore Healthcare led me to a path of recovery. I am so grateful to the entire staff for being patient with me and my mental health issues. I will always remember the lessons I learned in the time spent at their facilities. UPDATE: Thanks to the wonderful staff at D'Amore, I was able to recover from something as scary as schizo-affective disorder. I am now a functioning member of society with a full time job and many friends in recovery. I'm not sure where I would be without this facility, but most likely dead or in a long-term psych ward. Chris is an amazing counselor who I knew cared about me. Joe, my therapist, helped me with my delusions, depression, and serious anxiety. Blaine was a lead technician when I was there and was extremely friendly and downright amazing at crisis intervention. Jennifer was able to convince me to come to treatment and start a new life. Thank you D'Amore, without treatment centers like yours, the world would be a much darker place.read more

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18:03 27 Sep 19

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04:04 02 Jul 19

My son did great there. I don't know how else to say it, but I feel like they saved a life... maybe more than one, if you know what I mean. I'll never forget the night I called them, scared to death, and Jennifer talked me both down, and up, into hope. And they delivered what they promised.read more

tim harris

06:16 06 Jun 19

Just as with any other illness, mental health and addiction had left my family with wounds which we were near helpless in healing ourselves. D’Amore Healthcare played a crucial role in our recovery process through it’s informative staff, caring technicians, and knowledgeable clinicians. After dealing with numerous other facilities, it is clear that D’Amore’s approach to tackling the multifaceted problem of mental illness is superiorly effective. Thank you D’Amore!read more

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02:00 29 Mar 19

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Benjamin Smith

00:57 06 Mar 19

I have been an employee since 2016 and want to share my experience with D'Amore Healthcare. It is a very supportive environment for employees and opportunities abound here for those who want to blaze a new path for themselves! Because of the industry we are in it is a challenging work environment at times but it's remarkably stimulating and there is all the encouragement one could possibly ask for to help in meeting and surmounting those challenges so that one can reach their goals and leave work each day feeling they had made a positive difference. I have worn several hats at this company, both working with patients and working in the office, both overnight and during the day. I have always felt supported in everything I have tried to do, from the CEO and other Administration all the way down, and anytime I have been open with them about my needs they have worked with me in a way no other employer ever has to help me thrive despite whatever challenges may develop. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities I have been given here. Learning how to meet new challenges in a career is always an ongoing process, and I still have much to learn, but I am confident that I will continue to be shown the support and help that I've always found here.read more

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01:00 01 Mar 19

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23:37 29 Jan 19

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03:41 10 Jan 19

As a clinician who works in treatment, I appreciate the fine work of D'Amore. The care and support they provide to their clients is excellent. I hear from some of their past clients who consistently speak highly of the quality of their program and staff. They are a credit to the field of mental health and substance abuse treatment!read more

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19:15 09 Jan 19

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05:13 07 Jan 19

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Ivy Moon

07:40 06 Jan 19

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KAREN JAFFE

20:35 18 Dec 18

D’Amore is saving my granddaughter’s life! She has mental illness problems and drug addiction. She has been to 2 addiction rehabs, 1 other co-occurring rehab and now D’Amore. The other co-occurring place did very little to help her mental illness and they ended up kicking her out. D’Amore has worked so hard on both of her problem areas and have never given up on her. The staff is exceptional and they really do care! My beautiful granddaughter has told me, “Nana, This is the first place I feel comfortable in so I have opened up and talked about bad things that have happened in my life. Stuff I have never told anyone, not even you.” I cried when she said that because I know she’s on her way to recovery. I have to thank Jennifer, Kristen, Erin, Drew and all of the staff (I can’t remember everyone’s name.) D’Amore, you are in my prayers to continue saving women and men. God Bless you all!read more

Chantal Lessard

00:11 04 Dec 18

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Michael Yamashiro

20:37 28 Nov 18

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Ailana Saria Donato

18:58 26 Nov 18

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Michael Yamashiro

22:54 23 Nov 18

Joshua Saurbier

01:21 20 Nov 18

I was here for 60 days and it was a great experience. I Learned a lot They have a really good clinical team they does groups and individual therapy. Also you get to go on outings Things like the gym,meetings the park. There is a chef that cooks really amazing food every night for dinner. The staff is all very nice they do their job and listen when you need to talk, specially Julie she was really helpful and amazing at her jobread more

Jim Gane

21:59 19 Nov 18

A family member of mine wet in for mental health care. The facility, the staff, the treatment were all quite beneficial. Working with office and finance staff was quite easy and helpful as well!read more

Alexandra Stuart

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

Elizabeth Stipher

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

Donnie Moon

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

Renee Ritter

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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