Perinatal Psychosis occurs in approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries, or approximately .1 -.2% of births. The onset is usually sudden, most often within the first 2 weeks postpartum, but can appear any time in the first year.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Perinatal Psychosis (PP) can include:
- Delusions or strange beliefs
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- Feeling very irritated
- Hyperactivity
- Severe depression or flat affect
- Decreased need for or inability to sleep
- Paranoia and suspiciousness
- Rapid mood swings
- Difficulty communicating at times
The most significant risk factors for postpartum psychosis are a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, or a previous psychotic episode.
Of the individuals who develop a Perinatal Psychosis (PP), research has suggested that there is approximately a 5% suicide rate and a 4% infanticide rate associated with the illness. This is because the individual experiencing psychosis is experiencing a break from reality. In her psychotic state, the delusions and beliefs make sense to her; they feel very real to her and are often religious. Immediate treatment for a woman going through psychosis is imperative.
It is also important to know that many survivors of Perinatal Psychosis (PP) never experienced delusions containing violent commands. Delusions take many forms, and not all of them are destructive. The majority of individuals who experience Perinatal Psychosis (PP) do not harm themselves or anyone else. However, there is always the risk of danger because psychosis includes delusional thinking and irrational judgment, and this is why this illness must be quickly assessed, treated, and carefully monitored by a trained healthcare or perinatal mental health professional.
Perinatal Psychosis (PP) is temporary and treatable with professional help, but it is an emergency and it is essential that you receive immediate help. If you feel you or someone you know may be suffering from this illness, know that it is not your fault and you are not to blame. Call your doctor or an emergency crisis hotline right away so that you can get the help you need.
Perinatal Psychosis (PP) Support Services
PSI offers several support options for Perinatal Psychosis
Online Support Groups
- Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) for Moms: Information and Registration
- Support for Families Touched by Postpartum Psychosis (PPP): Information and Registration
Specialized Support Coordinators
Specialized Support Coordinators specialize and have lived experience with Perinatal/Postpartum Psychosis
More Information & Resources
- Learn More about PPP by watching the free webinar: Slaying the Monstrous Misconceptions about Postpartum Psychosis
- PP Psychosis Books, Resources, and Creative Media
- PSI Bookstore – Books on perinatal mental health, including psychosis – for providers, advocates, and families
Resources from Mass General
- Mass General Website
- Mass General – Postpartum Psychosis Website
- Mass General Case-based supervision to Providers treating postpartum psychosis
- Mass General – Recognizing Postpartum Psychosis
Resources from APP
- Action on Postpartum Psychosis -Insider Guide Recovery
- Action on Postpartum Psychosis – Insider Guide for Partners
- Action on Postpartum Psychosis – Planning Pregnancy Guide for Women at High Risk of PP
Help in an Emergency
Emergency Hotlines are available all the time. It is very important that you reach out right now and find the support and information you need to be safe.