Postpartum Psychosis Symptoms Treatment

Postpartum psychosis is the most severe form of postpartum depression or postnatal depression. It is a mental condition faced by new mothers after the birth of the child. The symptoms vary from lack of confidence to rear the newborn, irritability, anger toward self and the infant, and helplessness. Most obstetricians check patients for symptoms of postpartum depression after delivery. It could turn serious if not checked with medication and psychological support by family members.

Postpartum Psychosis

• Postpartum psychosis is a condition of severe mental stress among some women after the birth of their child. It is the result of new physical and psychological changes that a new mother confronts in her life---mostly it occurs among women who receive little or negligible support and guidance during the initial weeks of motherhood. The feelings of irritability, anger, helplessness and lack of knowledge in child rearing develop into frustration and postpartum depression. They feel that they are suddenly a part of a difficult situation.

  Postpartum depression was first recognized as a mental health disorder in the 1850s, though drug treatments have been available only since the 1960s.

Symptoms

• Since postpartum psychosis is the last stage of postpartum depression, some symptoms are severe. If the patient shows these symptoms, immediate medical assistance is required or the mother and/or the infant might get hurt.
  1. Anxiety or panic attacks about little things.
  2. Fear of harming the baby, which could be obsessive and the mother might be afraid to be left alone in the house with the baby.
  3. Hallucinations and delusions about yourself or the baby and blaming the baby for any problem.
  4. Feelings of anger, doubt, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, restlessness, sleeplessness and lack of confidence.
  5. Suicidal thoughts.

Treatment

• Postpartum psychosis could be cured with guidance and medication. Most obstetricians now go for a mandatory screening of postpartum depression, which helps them to determine the level of postpartum depression. If it's level 1, then it can be cured by counseling, guidance, psychological support of family members and help in getting accustomed to the new situation.

  However, if the situation is severe resulting in the last stage of postpartum depression (i.e. postpartum psychosis), the obstetrician might recommend medication. With professional and medical help, postpartum psychosis is cured faster. Medicines, mostly antidepressants specifically for postpartum depression, are prescribed, keeping in mind the drug sensitivities of the patient.

Conclusion

• New mothers must always remember that there is nothing to be ashamed of about postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis, also known as the baby blues. It is quite common as the mother undergoes major changes in her life and needs time to adjust to the situation. Women suffering from postpartum psychosis must feel free to speak about their feelings to medical practitioners and family members without any hesitation.