Childbirth has been said to be a happy and promising moment. With a new baby comes excitement, love and change. However, in the case of some mothers, it might be a time that causes severe mental health issues. A postpartum psychosis is one such condition, which is an infrequent yet serious mental health disorder that may be experienced immediately after childbirth. The ignorance of people about its early symptoms is because it is not well-discussed.
Psychology and medical studies indicate that postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency rather than a sign of weakness in an individual. It is associated with powerful biological and psychological postnatal changes. The condition may turn out to be life-threatening to both the ladies and the baby, unless they are supported in time. Awareness, knowledge and intervention at an early age are vital in recovery. Through proper care, most women can completely recover and return to healthy functioning (Brockington, 2004; Sit et al., 2006).
Read More: 15-Day-Old’s Life at Risk in Postpartum Mental Health Crisis; Psychiatrist Confirms Psychosis
What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental illness that may occur soon after a child has been born, in most cases within the first two weeks. It influences the thoughts, feelings, and reality of a mother. This is not a common thing, and once it happens, it requires urgent medical care. It is different from sadness, anxiety, or even an excessive postnatal reaction.
Postpartum psychosis is confused with many individuals who do not differentiate between babyblues and postpartum depression. Baby blues are widespread and normally resolve themselvesin a matter of days. Postpartum depression is more chronic and severe. The most severe of them is postpartum psychosis. However, It is associated with sudden and intense mood changes, thoughts, and behaviour. Studies have shown clearly that postpartum psychosis is amedical condition caused by biological and psychological factors and not by poor parenting or lack of effort (Sit et al., 2006; Brockington, 2004).
Why does postpartum psychosis occur
Postpartum psychosis occurs because of biological and psychological factors. The most significant reason is the rapid change in hormones after childbirth. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop suddenly following childbirth. These drastic fluctuations may have an impact on brain chemistry and mood control. It has been found that such a sudden change may lead to serious mental symptoms in women (Bergink et al., 2011).
Having a history of mental conditions, personal or family history, is also at risk. Female bipolar disorder patients or patients who have had instances of postpartum psychosis are at a higher risk. Lack of sleep following childbirth may also contribute to the development of symptoms. The mind can have its limits exceeded by emotional strains and physical fatigue. Research points out that personality or parenting capacity does not cause postpartum psychosis. It is a health problem that is acquired as a result of these compound factors (Jones and Craddock, 2001; Sit et al., 2006).
Common signs and symptoms
Postpartum psychosis usually has a sudden onset. A mother can show rapid mood swings, being extremely excited one time and extremely low the next. She can look lost or frightened. These postnatal stresses are more intense and severe than the normal postnatal stress (Sit et al., 2006).
The thinking and perceptions are changeable as well. The beliefs of a mother can be strange, or they may be out of touch with reality. The mind might experience an urgency or disorder. Even during the rest of the baby’s life, the sleep issues are frequent. Such signs may make daily routines challenging and painful (Brockington, 2004).
Emotions can be uncontrolled. A mother may experience fear, anxiety or lack of emotion without a clear cause. Such symptoms may not only be terrifying to the mother but also to the family members. It is emphasised in research that these signs must be identified early, and medical assistance is to be sought as soon as possible to be safe and recover (Bergink et al., 2011).
Psychological and emotional impact
Postpartum psychosis may have a profound impact on the emotional condition of a mother. In the process, she might feel scared, confused, or disconnected from herself. Such feelings may complicate thinking about what is going on and not believing his or her own thoughts. According to psychology studies, this emotional distress is a part of the disease and not an individual failure (Brockington, 2004).
The state may also have an impact on the identity of a mother and his or her confidence. She might not be able to feel like herself or cope with this new role of being a mother. The feeling of loneliness may increase when people are not aware of what they are going through. Timely treatment and emotional support can help improve these effects. Research shows that they can recover, and most women regain normal emotional conditions through proper attention (Sit et al., 2006; Bergink et al., 2011).
Risk factors to be aware of
There are women who are more prone to postpartum psychosis. One of the most effective risk factors is a personal history of bipolar disorder or a past episode of postpartum psychosis. Vulnerability can also be caused by a family history of serious mental health conditions. It has been found that these biological connections produce certain women more sensitive to the changes that occur after giving birth (Jones and Craddock, 2001; Wesseloo et al., 2016).
This risk can be increased by other factors. Symptoms may be increased by severe sleep deprivation following delivery, high levels of stress, and emotional support. First-time mothers, as well as those who stop psychiatric medication during pregnancy, can be even more vulnerable. Awareness of such risk factors helps the family and health care professionals to monitor early symptoms and respond quickly in case of need (Sit et al., 2006).
Intervention and support
Post-partum psychosis requires urgent treatment. Timely diagnosis is very significant in recovery. The traditionally accepted treatment is usually based on medical supervision, medication, and emotional support. Hospital care is prescribed in most instances early to ensure the safety of both the baby and the mother. It has been proven that early treatment has a great impact on the outcomes (Sit et al., 2006; Bergink et al., 2011).
Family and medical support are also important. Effective communication, assurance and realistic assistance can ease stress during recovery. Mothers can be made to realise what occurred and regain confidence in therapy. Research shows that given the right treatment and care, the majority of women recover and are capable of returning to normal daily existence (Brockington, 2004; Wesseloo et al., 2016).
Conclusion
Postpartum psychosis is a serious but treatable mental illness. It may come right after childbirth, and it may deeply affect the thoughts, heart, and perceptions of the reality of a mother. Because it is uncommon, people may overlook early signs. Psychology and medical research indicate that postpartum psychosis is a medical disorder, not a weakness or failure in one (Brockington, 2004; Sit et al., 2006).
Education and early intervention can save lives and support recovery. When the community, family, and healthcare providers are aware of the condition, assistance can be provided immediately. When these women get proper medical attention, support, and understanding, they can recover and have confidence in motherhood. Awareness building lowers the level of stigma and makes sure that mothers get the care and compassion they deserve at a tender time (Bergink et al., 2011; Wesseloo et al., 2016).
References +
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Brockington, I. (2004). Postpartum psychiatric disorders. The Lancet, 363(9405), 303–310.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(03)15390-1
Jones, I., & Craddock, N. (2001). Familiality of the puerperal trigger in bipolar disorder: Results of a family study. British Journal of Psychiatry, 179, 320–323. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.179.4.320
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Risk of postpartum relapse in women with bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Psychiatry, 173(2), 117–127. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15010124
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