Lindsay Clancy’s trial brought up postpartum psychosis, leading many to wonder what the rare mental health condition is and how it affects those who experience it.
Postpartum Psychosis vs. Postpartum Depression
While both postpartum psychosis and postpartum depression can develop after childbirth, postpartum depression primarily affects mood, whereas postpartum psychosis causes a break from reality that may include hallucinations and delusions. Although both conditions affect how people care for their child, postpartum depression is more common, affecting 1 out of every 7 births, according to Cleveland Clinic.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum Psychosis is a rare but severe mental health condition that affects people after they’ve given birth. The condition affects a person’s sense of reality, causing hallucinations, paranoia or other behavior changes. In severe cases, people with postpartum psychosis may attempt to harm themselves or their newborn.
Who does it affect?
Postpartum psychosis can affect anyone who has recently given birth. It can occur within several days to six months of giving birth. Postpartum psychosis is a rare condition. According to the Cleveland Clinic, postpartum psychosis affects an estimated 320 to 9,400 people in the United States each year.
What are the causes?
While experts do not know exactly what causes postpartum psychosis, researchers have identified several risk factors.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, about one-third of people diagnosed with the condition have a history of another mental health disorder. Bipolar disorder is the condition most commonly associated with postpartum psychosis. Other mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder and schizophrenia, may also increase the risk of developing postpartum psychosis.
The condition is more common in people who have just given birth to their first child, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Sleep deprivation can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder, also triggering the development of postpartum psychosis.
More research is needed to determine what exactly causes the condition, but experts do believe these factors contribute to its development.
What are the symptoms?
The two main symptoms of postpartum psychosis are hallucinations and delusions. Other common symptoms include mood changes such as mania, depression, insomnia, irritability, and thoughts of self-harm. Some also describe experiencing an out-of-body feeling called depersonalization. Disorganized thinking or behavior, mutism, and lack of appetite are characteristic of this condition as well.
How is it postpartum psychosis diagnosed and treated?
Tests on body fluids can identify infections, electrolyte imbalances, vitamin and mineral deficiencies or excesses, and more that may cause psychosis. CT scans and MRI scans may also be used to look for changes in brain structure that might explain symptoms. Doctors may order laboratory tests and imaging scans to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing psychosis before diagnosing postpartum psychosis. A mental health provider can diagnose the condition based on symptoms and these physical exams.
Postpartum psychosis is a mental health emergency, as those affected are at risk of harming themselves or others. The condition is reversible and treatable. Treatment may include mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and inpatient psychiatric care. Because postpartum psychosis disrupts a person’s sense of reality, many are unaware that they have a mental health condition. Involuntary hospitalization is often necessary to ensure the safety of both the parent and child.
Postpartum psychosis is rare but treatable with prompt medical care. Researchers continue to study its causes and effective methods for treatment.
Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know is experiencing hallucinations, delusions, or thoughts of harming themselves or others after giving birth, seek immediate medical attention.