Postpartum Psychosis

Abstract

Purpose of Review Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that can affect the health and life of mothers, infants, and families. Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is distinct from non-postpartum psychosis in many ways, and it is crucial to study and understand PPP to identify, treat, and possibly prevent this condition. We therefore sought to review the latest research findings about PPP with the intention of updating readers about the latest evidence base. Recent Findings Multiple physiologic pathways have been implicated in the development of PPP, and further understanding these pathways may allow for early detection and treatment. Risk assessment and treatment should include consideration of the woman patient but also the mother-infant dyad and the larger family. Summary It is our hope that this review of research updates in postpartum psychosis may inform clinical practice and promote specialized, evidence-based diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment.

Predictive factors and treatment of postpartum mania: a representative case

“…The etiopathology of this increased risk is likely due to a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. These factors include both well-established ones such as genetics, decreasing estrogen level, and sleep deprivation (Di Florio et al , 2013), as well as those with more mixed evidence including maternal stress, immune system dysfunction, and inflammation (Friedman et al , 2023). Ms. B demonstrated several of these features, the most important being her history of bipolar disorder in a first-degree relative.…”

Posttraumatic Growth after Postpartum Psychosis

“…They may not have a detailed care plan or established relationships with providers or therapists at that time. Women and families must be adequately supported after discharge from a psychiatric facility to prevent maternal suicide and infanticide (Friedman et al, 2023). Some women are out-patient for a week or longer after release.…”

Child murder by parents: Toward prevention

“…Table 3 3,4,7,18,22,23 (page 18) describes the importance of understanding the motives for child murder by a parent in order to conceptualize appropriate prevention. Prevention efforts for 1 type of child murder will not necessarily help prevent murders that occur due to the other motives.…”

“…27 Psychiatrists need to feel comfortable asking mothers about their coping skills, their suicidal thoughts, and their filicidal thoughts. 14,23,28 Screening and treatment of mental illness is critical. Postpartum psychosis is…”

“…well-known to pose an elevated risk of filicide and suicide. 23 Obsessive-compulsive disorder may cause a parent to ruminate over ego-dystonic child harm but should be treated and the risk conceptualized very differently than in postpartum psychosis. 23,29 Screening for postpartum depression and appropriate treatment of depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period decrease risk.…”