Question 1

what causes postpartum psychosis?

Accepted Answer

Hormones, genes.: 2% of the population have psychosis at one time of their lives, and postpartum periods are particularly likely to exacerbate underlying psychopathology because of the profound hormonal fluxes that occur. Prompt medical attention is essential to avoid dire outcomes!

Question 2

how is postpartum psychosis or depression treated?

Accepted Answer

Varies: First off, it's very important to distinguish if there is psychosis present without a clinical depression, a depressive episode without psychosis, or both. There are many treatment options including a wide array of medication and non-medication interventions. The top priority is to ensure the immediate safety of both the mother and child(ren).

Question 3

what is postpartum psychosis? is it worse than depression?

Accepted Answer

Serious depression: Psychosis is any loss of touch with reality including hallucination and/or delusions (false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary). Postpartum just means after childbirth.  The is avery serious condition because the mother may have false beliefs and harm or neglect the infant.  It needs immediate treatment with protection of the newborn.  It if often associated with bipolar disorder.

Question 4

what is the difference between "baby blues, " depression, and postpartum psychosis?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms, Severity: The "baby blues" refers to symptoms of depression that can be experienced by women after giving birth. These symptoms usually do not significantly interfere with daily functioning. Postpartum depression is a full-blown episode of depression following birth, and it can be quite severe and disabling. Postpartum psychosis refers to symptoms of hallucinations and bizarre thoughts following birth.

Question 5

is a hospital psych ward an appropriate place for postpartum psychosis treatment? i'm particularly concerned with use of anti-psychotic drugs!

Accepted Answer

At times, yes: Postpartum psychosis is an extremely serious illness.  Women with postpartum psychosis may hallucinate and be delusional. Without treatment, may act on delusions.  When ill, some have thought their babies were demonically possessed and needed to be killed.  Temporary inpatient treatment can stabilize the mom, and protect both her & her infant. Antipsychotic medications may be life-saving.

Question 6

is post-partum psychosis a common problem?

Accepted Answer

No: It occurs once or twice every 1, 000 childbirths. When it does occur it's often part of a mood disorder, especially bipolar disorder. Medical complications around the pregnancy and first time childbirths are associated with the psychosis about half the time. Tragic though it is, women who suffer the psychosis rarely act on the infanticide and suicide feelings that can be part of the psychosis.

Question 7

what's postpartum depression vs psychosis?

Accepted Answer

Varies: First off, it's very important to distinguish if there is psychosis present without a clinical depression, a depressive episode without psychosis, or both. There are many treatment options including a wide array of medication and non-medication interventions. The top priority is to ensure the immediate safety of both the mother and child(ren).

Question 8

how do people recover from postpartum depression / psychosis?

Accepted Answer

An antidepressant: There is something called the postpartum blues which are common and usually resolves on its' own. Then there is post partum depression which can actually be quite serious. In fact, being overly depressed for too long after delivery can interfere with the way mothers and their newborns bond and attach to each other. It is important to seek out some treatment. Ask your obstetrician for help.

Question 9

what's the difference between postpartum depression and psychosis?

Accepted Answer

Varies: First off, it's very important to distinguish if there is psychosis present without a clinical depression, a depressive episode without psychosis, or both. There are many treatment options including a wide array of medication and non-medication interventions. The top priority is to ensure the immediate safety of both the mother and child(ren).

Question 10

what are the ways that people recover from postpartum depression/psychosis?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: It usually takes medication if it was really psychotic. But unless you have an underlying mood or thought disorder that predated your pregnancy, you should be able to fully recover.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Signs of postpartum psychosis

A member asked:

What causes postpartum psychosis?

A member asked:

How is postpartum psychosis or depression treated?

A member asked:

What is postpartum psychosis? is it worse than depression?

A member asked:

What is the difference between "baby blues, " depression, and postpartum psychosis?

A member asked:

Is a hospital psych ward an appropriate place for postpartum psychosis treatment? i'm particularly concerned with use of anti-psychotic drugs!

A member asked:

Is post-partum psychosis a common problem?

A member asked:

What's postpartum depression vs psychosis?

A member asked:

How do people recover from postpartum depression / psychosis?

A member asked:

What's the difference between postpartum depression and psychosis?

A member asked:

What are the ways that people recover from postpartum depression/psychosis?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?