Prenatal depression leading to postpartum psychosis

• Published in: Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Vol. 30; no. 5; p. 435
• Main Authors: Ebeid, E, Nassif, N, Sinha, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.01.2010
• Subjects: Antidepressive Agents - therapeutic use; Depressive Disorder - diagnosis; Depressive Disorder - drug therapy; Depressive Disorder - epidemiology; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Incidence; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications - epidemiology; Pregnancy Complications - psychology; Psychotic Disorders - diagnosis; Psychotic Disorders - drug therapy; Psychotic Disorders - epidemiology; Risk Factors
• ISSN: 1364-6893
• DOI: 10.3109/01443611003802321

Postpartum psychosis is a mood disorder occurring up to 3 months after delivery. Incidence is one to two women every 1,000 live births. If not detected and appropriately treated in time, it may have detrimental effects on both the mother and her baby. We report a case of puerperal psychosis in a patient with a history of depression. We have also reviewed the relevant literature discussing prediction, management and differential diagnosis of postpartum psychosis. We emphasise the importance of early detection and provision of care to all women at risk of mental illness by multidisciplinary team, including GPs, obstetricians, midwives and perinatal mental health professionals.