Just Wondering: When Does Your Period Come Back After Having a Baby?
And while not as common, its even possible to develop postpartum psychosis (PPP).
Experts in This Article
a reproductive psychiatrist and co-director of theWomens Mental Health Program at Mount Sinai.
In severe cases, they may even attempt to harm themselves or their baby.
For this reason, PPP is a mental health emergency that requires immediate medical care.
And most importantly: You are not alone.
a reproductive psychiatrist and co-director of theWomen’s Mental Health Program at Mount Sinai.
People with PPP can be a danger to themselves or others and need help as soon as possible.
What causes postpartum psychosis?
We actually do not know this, says Dr. Robakis.
The actual pathophysiological mechanisms of postpartum psychiatric decompensation are not understood.
But there are some theories starting to emerge.
What wedoknow is that postpartum psychosis is highly related to bipolar disorder, says Dr. Robakis.
Approximately one-third of people with PPP also have a previous mental health diagnosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Approximately one-third of people with PPP also have a previous mental health diagnosis.
Mother-to-infant bonding is often highly impaired during the period of acute psychiatric illness, says Dr. Robakis.
a reproductive psychiatrist and co-director of theWomen’s Mental Health Program at Mount Sinai.
In some cases, PPP can even trigger violent thoughts toward your newborn or yourself.
A mother can develop delusions that could lead her to harm herself or the child, she says.
Fortunately, once treated, most people with PPP go on to to bond with their babies.
Many mother-infant pairs can recover quickly, Dr. Robakis says.
Still, a minority of women may experience more prolonged difficulties in bonding with their infants, she adds.
How is postpartum psychosis diagnosed?
That said, everyone is different; one medication may work better than another depending on your symptoms.
What about newer medications likezuranolone(aka, the first FDA-approvedpill for postpartum depression)?
In other words, more research is needed to confirm whether it can be used to effectively treat PPP.
But you shouldnt have to navigate the aftermath alone.
Speaking with a perinatal mental health professional can offer you a safe space to process your feelings.
During sleep, your brain recharges.
Heres where partners, family, and friends become essential.
Attend a support group
Because PPP is a rare condition, it can feel isolating at times.
Not sure how to find a support group in your area?
PSI offers a free,online peer-to-peer support groupfor PPP survivors.
Usually, the symptoms are noticeable by family members, Dr. Robakis says.
However, there are ways to lower your odds, especially if you have known risk factors.
Together you could weigh the risks and benefits of taking medication and decide which ones are best for you.
Your midwife or obstetrician is a good place to start, she says.
They can usually direct you to appropriate mental health services.
In many cases, those closest to the person are often the first to spot signs of the condition.
You may have to have your loved one involuntarily hospitalized for a short time to keep them safe.
Thankfully, once a person gets treatment for PPP, its possible to make a full recovery.
And with preventive care, they can even have future pregnancies without a relapse of PPP.
FAQ
Can you fully recover from postpartum psychosis?
Yes, PPP is a temporary and treatable condition.
Simply put: The earlier PPP is detected, the better the outlook.
What helps postpartum depression?
In fact, treatments for PPD are becoming more effective as scientists develop better medicines to target the condition.
Case in point: In 2023, the FDA approved zuranolone, the first pill designed to treat PPD.
Getting help is critical.
Probably half (or more) of people with PPP have both, she says.
Though not everyone with bipolar will develop PPP.
medically reviewed byAndrea Braden, MD, OB/GYN
Jairaj, Chaitra et al.
Postpartum psychosis: A proposed treatment algorithm.Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)vol.
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