Postpartum Psychosis

Rarest of the PMADs, Postpartum Psychosis occurs in 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries. This rate of approximately 0.1-0.2% means about 4,000 women each year in America will suffer. Typical onset is sudden and usually occurs in the first 2- weeks postpartum. 

A psychotic episode requires immediate psychiatric intervention. While safety is the priority, women may be removed from their baby and family, which has detrimental affects that can last a lifetime. In Postpartum Psychosis, the ideal treatment plan is directed by an expert team of Perinatal psychiatrists and therapists to ensure proper assessment, monitoring, diagnosis and a treatment plan.

COMMON SYMPTOMS:

• belief or sensation that delusions are real
• irrational thinking
• irrational beliefs
• detachment from reality
• abnormal and dangerous behaviors
• poor judgment

Most women will not harm themselves or the baby, but they are high-risk because of their irrational and delusional thinking, and their poor judgement. Thus immediate intervention is mandatory.

RISK FACTORS:

• A personal or family history of PMADs is the most common risk factor

In 2018, there are only 4 dedicated Perinatal Inpatient Psychiatric Units in America, and only 17 dedicated outpatient programs.

The Wilderman Fund is the change: our support, funding and collaborations advance the standard of care. With Hospitals and Inpatient Psychiatric Units our programs and funding enable the expansion of more Perinatal Inpatient Units. Better care smashes stigma - we do the right thing for all women, babies, society.