Organic vs Stimulant-Induced Psychosis in the Peripartum Period

Abstract

This is the case of a 30-year-old pregnant female who presented to the medical emergency department with signs and symptoms consistent with a psychotic episode. At the time of presentation, the patient was noted to have paranoia and delusions focused on her current pregnancy. On further evaluation in the emergency department, the patient’s urine toxicology was found to be positive for methamphetamines. Following medical clearance, the patient was admitted for acute inpatient psychiatric stabilization. During hospitalization, her psychosis rapidly resolved with only the use of two emergency treatment injections containing antipsychotic medication. This case presents an interesting differential diagnosis between a brief psychotic disorder with peripartum onset and a substance-induced psychosis, and allows for further discussion in the differentiation and clinical treatment of these diagnoses.