Postpartum psychosis

Abstract

Postpartum psychosis (PP) is a serious but rare and treatable psychiatric disorder. It impairs social functionality of women and the relationship between the mother and infant; and it can also lead to suicidal and infanticidal behaviors. Affective instability, confusion, delusions and bizarre behaviors are included in its core symptoms. Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, especially lithium are frequently the treatments of choice. The prognosis and response to the treatment are very good; however, the recurrence of psychotic symptoms is high. This chapter presents the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features and treatment of PP.