Is Britney Suffering from Post-Partum Psychosis?

Grammy award winning pop super-star, Britney Spears is currently residing in the 'Promises Rehabilitaion Center' in Malibu, California. There have been countless reports about Miss Spear's escapades.They have been documented by the media and in various tabloids. Has Britney had some kind of a break down? Is Britney just acting out? Maybe this is the result of a party life-style? Is she a drug user, possibly even an addict? Could it be that Spears is suffering from what is known as Post Partum Psychosis?

Britney Spears was born on December 2, 1981 in McComb, Mississippi. She was raised a Southern Baptist and began her singing career at a local church. In her early years, Spears was associated with "The Mickey Mouse Club" along with fellow entertainers, now famous Christina Auguilera and super singer, Justin Timberlake. Britney is listed as the number eighth most popular female singer in the world and has sold more than 76 million records world wide. A few of her most recognized songs are, "Baby One More Time" and "Ooops I Did it Again."

There have been pictures of Spears in various stages of undress on T.V. and in magazines. There have also been reports of her constant partying life-syle, often appearing drunk and out of control in public places. In one of the most recent incidents, Spears was shown in a beauty shop in Los Angeles shearing off all of her hair and getting tattooed. Brit- has gone through much emotional upheaval in the last two years while living in the 'public eye.' Britney in the heigth of stardom married her then back up dancer, Kevin Federline. Federline had a child with actress Shar Jackson, who was also pregnant at the time with another of Federline's children. Spears and Federline were married in 2004.

Spears gave birth to Sean Preston Federline in September 2005 by C-Section. During the first few months of little Sean Preston's life, Spears was once more in the eye of the public and she was accused of not having her son restrained in his car seat . Later on she was condemmed for almost dropping young Sean while walking out in the city. Spears appeared to be very upset at the accusations. In the late fall of 2006, Spears once again gave birth to son, Jayden James and rumor mills continued to hound the new mother and her now apparentely failing marriage. She filed for divorce from Federline in November 2006 citing, Irreconcilable Differences. Reports began to fly about Spears taking up her party life style along with heiress Paris Hilton and acting buddy Lindsey Lohan. Britney was out of control of her life and her career appeared to be heading for trouble.

Post Partum Psychosis is a post pregnancy condition where a woman seems to have little or no control over her life. She may appear to not want to bond with her child and at some points can want to harm or dispose of her child. She may have sleeplessness or major depression with outbursts of anger or crying. She may not take care of her self possibly not eating, or even bathing. In severe cases of psychoses, hallucinations may be present. This condition can be a possible threat to the mother and especially her child.

In various studies done by Women's Health Agencies, doctors found that women are twice as likely to suffer acute depression then are men. The age of women most affected were in the child bearing years of between 25 and 45 years. Approximately 35,000 women were studied over a 90 day period with sequential data marked over the next two years. There was a seven fold increase of psychiatric hospitalization with the risk of psychosis noted at a 22 times higher rate then the pre-pregnant state.

Doctors claim that during the post-partum stage which can start as soon as 48 hours after delivery can result from the levels of Estrogen and Progesterones, (the hormones that occurr in women naturally while helping to support a pregnancy) decreasing dramatically. There is an immediate decrease of a possible 90-95% drop of these hormones within 48 hours of giving birth. Some women have a mild form or this hormone fluctuation without the severe depression or psychosis that sometimes plagues others. Doctors warn to be aware of yourself or a loved one's behavior after giving birth. Symptoms to look for as follows:
1.A very blue mood.
2.Loss of interest or pleasure in daily living.
3.Inabilty to concentrate or make decisions.
4.Agitation or unreasonable anger
5.Fatigue or inability to sleep.
6.Change in appetite
7.Thoughts of death or suicide.
8.A feeling of worthlessness or guilt.
9.Excess worry or guilt
10.Inability to bond with or care for a child.
11.The desire to throw away or hurt your child.

The good news is that with a three fold treatment program women can be helped. The first phase of this program is acute and involves treating symptoms, possibly with medication and even hospitalization. The second phase is 4-9 months and involves stabilization and recovery. The third stage is maintenance with possible long term medications such as SSRI's (anti-depressants) like, Paxil, or Prozac and therapy.

Spears entered into treatment earlier this month at the Maibu rehab- looking for help with her mental health issues and possible drug and alcohol dependancy. Spears was visited on the 16th of March at 'Promises Rehab Center' by her ex-husband and her two young sons. Federline has been reported as being extremely supportive of Spears' recovery though claims, "there is no desire for a reconcilliation." Spears has recently been reported to have ended a relationship with model 25 yr. old Issac Cohen.