Postpartum Psychosis

Further advice and support

Source: NHS

In this topic (11)

Women who have experienced or are experiencing postpartum psychosis may find the following charities and forums helpful:

Action Postpartum Psychosis

The Association for Post Natal Illness

PANDAS (Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support)

Postpartum psychosis can be stressful and distressing for partners, too. It can be isolating and lonely if both their baby and partner is in hospital.

If you are struggling to cope because your partner is going through an episode of postpartum psychosis or recovering from this, don't be afraid to get help yourself.

Talk to a mental health professional involved in your partner's care, or approach one of the above charities.


Articles for Postpartum Psychosis

Can postpartum psychosis be prevented?

A woman's risk of developing postpartum psychosis should be assessed during her antenatal appointments so that if she were to develop the illness after giving birth, the signs would be spotted straigh

Further advice and support

Women who have experienced or are experiencing postpartum psychosis may find the following charities and forums helpful: Action Postpartum Psychosis The Association for Post Natal Illness PAND

How is postpartum psychosis treated?

Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency. The woman may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment. Ideally, she would be admitted with her baby to a specialist psychiatric unit called a mo

How serious can it be?

Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental illness that should be treated as a medical emergency. If not treated immediately, the postpartum psychosis can get worse rapidly. The illness could cause he

Introduction

NHS Choices information on postpartum psychosis (psychosis after childbirth), with links to other useful resources

What are the symptomsof postpartum psychosis?

Most women with postpartum psychosis will experience psychosis (a 'psychotic episode') and other symptoms very soon after giving birth, usually within the first two weeks. Some women develop symptoms

What should I do if I think I'm having an episode?

If you already have a care plan because you've been assessed to be at high risk, there should be an emergency number you can call to reach a crisis team. If you don't have a care plan, and think you'

What should I do if I think someone may have developed postpartum psychosis?

Contact your GP immediately if you think 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 da

What's the cause of postpartum psychosis?

We're not really sure what causes postpartum psychosis. Fluctuations in hormones and sleep patterns could play a role, and there does seem to be a genetic basis, as a woman is more likely to develop t

What's the outlook for someone with postpartum psychosis?

With treatment, the vast majority of women with postpartum psychosis start to feel better very quickly. Some mothers have difficulty bonding with their baby after an episode of postpartum psychosis,

Who is at riskof postpartum psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis is more likely to affect women who: havehad postpartum psychosis before already have a serious mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia have a rela