Symptoms Of Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe illness that affects one in every thousand women who give birth. The woman with postpartum psychosis may experience delusions, such as thinking her baby is evil, or hallucinations, which involve seeing, hearing, smelling, or otherwise sensing things that aren’t really there.

Psychosis is often termed “a break from reality.” Its hallmark symptoms are delusions and hallucinations. Postpartum psychosis is thought to differ from other types of psychosis and is generally considered a severe form of depression called bipolar depression. It is not

known whether postpartum psychosis is one illness or a combination of illnesses.

Postpartum psychosis usually occurs soon after a woman gives birth, within three to 10 days. Postpartum psychotic episodes are generally brief, lasting for at least one day and less than a month. The new mother may experience periods of relatively normal behavior. A psychotic episode that occurs more than a month after a woman gives birth is not considered postpartum, but may be caused by other factors.

Besides experiencing delusions and hallucinations, the woman suffering from postpartum psychosis may also:

• Be extremely agitated

• Lose weight quickly without dieting

• Go without sleep for more than 48 hours

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