A rare but serious condition involving the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations, within the weeks following childbirth.

Overview

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious condition involving sudden onset of psychotic symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, or severe confusion, typically within the first two to four weeks after childbirth.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include severe confusion, delusional beliefs (sometimes involving the baby), hallucinations, rapid mood swings, and significantly disorganized behavior. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause is not fully understood. Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and a personal or family history of bipolar disorder or psychosis are associated with increased risk.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.

Psychotherapy

Psychosocial support for the individual and family is important alongside urgent medical treatment.

Medication

Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency typically requiring hospitalization and treatment with antipsychotic or mood-stabilizing medication. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.

Living With Postpartum Psychosis

This condition requires immediate medical attention; if there is any concern for safety of the parent or infant, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.

Emergency Situations

If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.

Outlook

With prompt treatment, most individuals recover fully, though close follow-up is important given risk of recurrence in future pregnancies.

Related Conditions

Medical Information Disclaimer

References

• American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
• National Institute of Mental Health.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.