Postpartum Psychosis Prevention

Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is the postpartum psychiatric disorder that women fear the most. Those who have never had postpartum depression (PPD) may fear it as well, but probably not as much as a woman who has had it. There are some things that you can do to prevent postpartum psychosis.

This type of psychosis follows childbirth. It can surface immediately or it can surface following postpartum depression, which is why mother with a history of PPD needs to be extra careful and observant with any following pregnancies. Since it's often difficult for a mother to know or accept that she has a postpartum psychiatric disorder of any kind, it's best if loved ones pay attention to details.

Prevention of postpartum psychosis can actually begin before the actual birth of the child. Prophylactic treatments can be instituted days before childbirth as well as following child birth. Studies have shown that these treatments diminish the risk for PPP.

It's also a good idea for a pregnant women to have a psychiatric evaluation to determine if she has a predisposition for postpartum psychosis. Since there is some correlation between women with bipolar disorder (manic depression) and postpartum psychosis, women with this disorder should be extra careful to follow the guidelines of their psychiatrist. This can involve dealing with the fears preceding child birth and coming up with a treatment plan to use following child birth.

Loved ones should learn to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis so that they can better understand and observe the behavior of the woman following child birth. PPP is often preceded by PPD. This is why learning the signs of depression in women and new mothers is especially important. If the signs of PPD are recognized early enough, this postpartum psychiatric disorder can be treated before it leads to an actual psychosis or break with reality.

Let is be understood that many of the signs of PPD and PPP may be noticed more in relation to the newborn baby than anywhere else. These disorders may cause the woman to fear the baby. Sometimes, during a psychotic episode, the woman may actually even hear voices. These voices may tell her to harm herself or the infant. Outside of a psychotic episode, the woman may realize that something is wrong with her and feel as is she is inadequate or "insane". These feelings alone can lead to extreme behaviors.

Use preventative measures to try to protect a pregnant woman and you family from the devastation of postpartum psychosis. The simple steps listed above may be the only thing that stands between your family and a sever case of postpartum psychosis.

Reference: http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/postpartum-psychiatric-disorders/