Predictive factors and treatment of postpartum mania: a representative case

Abstract

Postpartum mania and psychosis puts both the person giving birth and their child at significant risk, so predicting its onset and determining effective treatment is crucial. Here, a representative case is presented of a patient started on an antidepressant during her pregnancy who suffered a postpartum manic episode with psychosis. The case describes many of the risk factors and treatment issues faced by clinicians when caring for patients with these symptoms in the postpartum period. Subsequent discussion provides guidance for clinicians to help predict postpartum mania and reviews factors that may increase the risk of its onset. The evidence for psychiatric treatment is also reviewed to both prevent and treat postpartum mania and psychosis.

Modulating factors in mood disorders treatment

“…Postpartum manic episodes in patients with MDD are even rarer. The case report in this issue describes a woman with a history of postpartum depression and generalized anxiety disorder who experienced postpartum mania (Constantino et al, 2023). Following treatment with sertraline at a dosage of 150 mg per day during pregnancy, the patient experienced a severe manic episode with psychotic features 1 week after giving birth.…”