Postnatal psychosis is a rare but serious mental condition that occurs after someone has given birth. Postnatal psychosis can cause sudden and dramatic changes in a person’s thinking, behaviour, mood and sleep patterns. Psychotic episodes involve a loss of contact with reality and unusual or erratic behaviour.
Parents who experience postnatal psychosis can experience manic episodes and/or severe symptoms of depression, including thoughts of suicide, or hurting themselves or their baby. A parent with postnatal psychosis may also experience sensory hallucinations. They may believe, hear, see or smell things that are not real.
Postnatal psychosis is a condition that affects1 to 2 in every 1000 women who give birth. Symptoms normally occur within the first four weeks after giving birth but can occur up to 12 weeks after birth, or for months if left untreated.
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your partner or someone you know who has recently given birth, you should seek professional support straight away.
If you think someone is at risk of harming themselves, their baby or someone else, please call 000 immediately.
If you think someone may be experiencing postnatal psychosis, call your local area Mental Health Line (24/7) for advice and support.
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Mental Health Lines (24/7)
Postnatal psychosis is a medical emergency because it can cause destructive, impulsive thoughts and behaviours that may endanger the safety and lives of parents, their babies and loved ones.
Seeking treatment as soon as possible is the fastest route to recovery.
“I was frightened, confused, withdrawn, pestered by illogical thoughts that randomly popped into my head including self-harm and harming my baby.”
Signs and symptoms to look out for include:
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Early warning signs of postnatal psychosis
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Changes in energy levels
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Changes in mood
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Changes in behaviour
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Changes in thoughts and perception
Often because they are so unwell, it’s common for someone experiencing postnatal psychosis to be resistant to seeking help – angry, afraid, or even in denial that anything is wrong.
Psychotic episodes may vary in their frequency, intensity and duration as well. Sometimes your loved one may seem like themselves for a while, then enter another episode of psychosis. Most often it’s up to the people that care for them and their baby to take that first brave step to seek help.
You may be feeling worried or guilty, wondering if you’re doing the right thing by seeking support from health professionals. It might help to know that we hear from new parents and their families on the PANDA Helpline every day who say that act of seeking help for suspected postnatal psychosis was life-changing, even lifesaving.
Postnatal psychosis does not resolve by itself – professional treatment, often at an inpatient facility may be needed. There is strong hope for recovery with the right support.
The sooner a person accesses help for postnatal psychosis, the quicker their recovery journey.