What Is Postpartum Psychosis?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Postpartum psychosis is a condition considered to be a psychiatric emergency with symptoms that begin suddenly during the first 2 weeks after childbirth. During the postpartum period, there is an increased risk of psychiatric illness such as psychosis, anxiety, and mood disorders.
About half of women who are affected have no risk factors. However, women with a history of mental illness such as prior episodes of postpartum psychosis, bipolar disorder, or family history of mental illness have a higher risk of postpartum psychosis. A diagnosis of postpartum psychosis always results in hospitalization.
