Description
A rare problem causing psychotic symptoms (such as hearing voices that are not real or having bizarre or paranoid thoughts that are not grounded in reality) in the postpartum time. The symptoms occur after birth and include a period when a woman loses touch with reality. Some women are misdiagnosed as having the more common postpartum depression and can receive inappropriate treatment. Left untreated postpartum psychosis has a 5% suicide rate and a 4% infanticide rate.
Symptoms
Hallucinations, delusions, illogical thoughts, insomnia, refusing to eat, extreme feelings of anxiety and agitation, periods of delirium or mania, suicidal or homicidal thoughts.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to rule out other causes of the strange behavior may be done.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Thyroid studies, urine and/or serum toxicology screen, lumbar puncture
Specialists:
Psychiatry
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to rule out other causes of the strange behavior may be done.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Thyroid studies, urine and/or serum toxicology screen, lumbar puncture
Specialists:
Psychiatry
Treatment
Treatment needs to be started immediately. Medications used include: antipsychotics, antidepressants, and/or anti-anxiety medications. Counseling is also effective. The mother and baby's safety should be ensured.