Postpartum Psychosis: The Role of Women’s Health Care Providers and the Health Care System

Abstract

Importance: The postpartum period is a time of high risk for serious psychiatric symptoms and hospitalization. Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is the most severe disorder that emerges during this time, with significant and wide-ranging consequences that can include suicide and infanticide.Evidence Acquisition: A PubMed, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO search was completed for English-language publications about PPP, including subtopics (eg, infanticide, maternal suicide). Citations in these articles were also reviewed for relevant references.Results: Although it is clear that the triggering event for PPP is childbirth, the processes by which this occurs are not fully understood, which is a critical need for being able to predict, prevent, and manage PPP. There are risk factors that contribute to PPP, and specific groups of women may be at increased risk (eg, women with bipolar disorder). Many questions and challenges remain related to the phenomenology, nosology, prevention, and treatment of PPP. However, there are changes that women's health care providers and systems can take to improve the care of women at risk of and experiencing PPP.Conclusions and Relevance: Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious condition. However, recovery is possible. Women's health care providers and systems can improve the care by better understanding the needs of women and families, offering patient-centered discussions and options for care, particularly those that promote recovery, minimize risk, and limit the interruption of the maternal-infant bond. Improving the prevention and treatment of PPP can have a broad impact for women, children, and families.Target Audience: Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians Learning Objectives: After participating in this activity, readers should be better able to describe risk factors that contribute to the onset of PPP; discuss best practices for preventing and treating PPP; and identify at least one way in which health care providers or health care systems can improve the care offered to women and families who experience PPP.

Posttraumatic Growth after Postpartum Psychosis

“…Clinicians can share with families and partners, that not only do most women recover but some even experience positive changes during their healing from postpartum psychosis. This also provides an opportunity and context for health care providers to discuss the various kinds of support, therapy, and other resources that may assist in recovery for both the woman and the family and can frame post-release recovery modalities as an important step toward wellness (Stacy & Schulkin, 2022).…”

Psicose pós-parto: epidemiologia, patogênese, manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico e tratamento

“…O período pós-parto é um momento de alto risco para sintomas psiquiátricos graves e hospitalização. Quando a psicose pós-parto surge durante esse período, há consequências significativas e abrangentes que podem incluir a morte do neonato e danos à equipe de saúde (STACY; SCHULKIN,, 2022).…”