Likeminds Taranaki

Post Partum/Natal Psychosis

  

What is Post Partum (Natal) Psychosis?

Postnatal Psychosis is a severe psychiatric disturbance where a woman loses touch with reality after the birth of a baby. Some women may also have thoughts of harming themselves and/or their baby. They may not be aware that they are behaving abnormally and have little control over their behaviour.

Postnatal psychosis occurs in approximately 1 in 500 births. It is a specifically pregnancy-related psychosis.

The onset is rapid, within the first two or three weeks post partum, although onset may occur up to three months post partum. Post Partum psychosis is usually considered a form of affective psychosis or manic-depressive illness.

For many mothers suffering this condition, there appears to have been no previous history of mental illness. It occurs in normal women, living in normal circumstances. Among women with a previous history of or a family/whanau history of affective disorders, the risk of post partum psychosis increases significantly.

What are the symptoms?

• Over-active and over-enthusiastic behaviour
• Grandiose ideas
• Racy thoughts
• Delusions (false beliefs)
• Hallucinations (abnormal perceptions)
• Loss of control when usually competent
• Elevated or irritable moods
• Decreased need for sleep
• Excessive behaviour e.g. spending money, cleaning etc.
• Difficulty with concentration and coordination

Some women may speak and think with increased rapidity, eventually becoming disjointed and completely irrational. 

• Panic attacks
• Inadequacy
• Obsessive thoughts
• Paranoia

 

How is Post Natal psychosis treated?

Prompt psychiatric treatment is required, as medication is always required for this condition. It will not improve of its own accord. If detected in its early stages, a mother may be treated at home, albeit with intense professional input and support. It is imperative the mother has very supportive family/whanau networks as well as she should not be left alone with the baby when she is very unwell. Hospitalisation is often necessary. Ideally, the mother and child should remain together to promote bonding during the first few weeks.

Following the psychotic episode the woman will need considerable support to understand and come to terms with what has happened to her.

Some women may relapse after initial signs of improvement. Throughout the relapse, the women need both understanding and support. Recovery takes time, but a full recovery can be made.

There is a chance that the condition may reoccur with future pregnancies, therefore it is important to seek psychiatric advice and/or counselling before conception so that the risk can be reduced. 

Postnatal depression is an acute illness - not a chronic illness.

If you are developing postnatal depression or psychosis it is important to seek help as early as possible. These can be effectively treated, and you are likely to recover. The earlier effective treatment commences, the better the chances of recovery.

• Your GP (General Practitioner)
• Your Midwife or LMC (Lead Maternity Carer)
• Your Plunket Nurse
• Taranaki Health - Maternal Mental Health Worker 

• Manaaki Oranga - Kaupapa Maori Maternal Mental Health 

                   Dee-Anna Ritai  06 754 9060

 

The following websites provide information on Postnatal Depression:

A most useful NZ website with resource data on most mental illnesses

 

 

Like Minds Taranaki gratefully acknowledges the financial support of this website by the Ministry of Health

 Feedback is always welcome
Like Minds Taranaki, 06-759-0966, email: mental.health@xtra.co.nz

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