Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a severe episode of mental disorder which can begin suddenly after having a baby. It is a rare and serious mental disorder that can affect new mothers. Postpartum psychosis is different from postpartum depression. While postpartum depression largely encompasses feelings of hopelessness and worry, postpartum psychosis includes episodes of euphoria (often mistaken as the joy of motherhood) as well. Postpartum psychosis is said be an overt presentation of bipolar disorder.

It usually starts within a few days or weeks of giving birth, or can develop suddenly, within just a few hours. Symptoms vary and can change rapidly, including elevated mood (mania), depression, confusion, hallucinations and delusions. Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency for which you should seek help as quickly as possible.

Postpartum psychosis often occurs unexpectedly and can be a frightening experience for you, your partner, friends and family. However, you can usually recover fully after an episode of postpartum psychosis. Often, mothers who have postpartum psychosis also have manic depression (bipolar affective disorder) or schizophrenia. If you have had postpartum psychosis before, or had a severe mental illness while you were pregnant, you are at particular risk. You're also more likely to develop postpartum psychosis if you have a family history of severe mental illness, especially bipolar disorder. ​

When to seek expert advise

If you are a new mother facing alarming symptoms including hallucinations and extreme highs and lows, seek help from your doctor at Mind and Brain Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital.

You can also consult your gynaecologist working with the Women's Health Care Service Line to guide you during this phase of life.

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