Postpartum Research Paper

Postpartum psychiatric illness is typically divided into three categories. Postpartum blues which appears in 50 to 85% of women after child birth. Postpartum depression is a mild stage of psychosis and appears in about 15% of mothers. Finally postpartum psychosis, which is the most severe form of postpartum psychiatric illness. According to Postpartum Support International, “Postpartum Psychosis is a rare illness, compared to the rates of postpartum depression or anxiety. It occurs in approximately one to two out of every one thousand deliveries, or approximately .1% of births. The onset is usually sudden, most often within the first two weeks postpartum” (Postpartum Support International, 2009). There are many signs and symptoms that can

The major effect that postpartum psychosis has on the mother, child, or the family members if untreated is death. Victims of PP can hallucinate and not actually realize they are hurting someone until after it is done. It is extremely important to seek help when a parent shows signs and symptoms. The effects on the child are lack of proper care due to the mother’s interest in the baby. Mothers begin to forget or even acknowledge that they have a baby. They can also refuse to care for the newborn. According to, Prevention and Diagnosis of Postpartum Psychosis, “Women get the impression that life is not worth living anymore,” (Dorfman, Meisner, & Frank

It occurs in approximately one to two out of every one thousand deliveries, or approximately .1% births. It is said to be caused by a rapid shift in the hormonal environment. It starts off as baby blues during the first 48hrs and then progresses to psychosis. Postpartum psychosis represents an episode of bipolar illness. Women with this disorder exhibit a rapidly shifting depressed or elated mood, disorientation or confusion, and erratic or disorganized behavior. Delusional beliefs are common and often centered on the infant. There are many symptoms of postpartum psychosis such as hallucinations, hyperactivity, paranoia, and inability to sleep. Mothers who have a personal history of bipolar disorder or psychotic episodes are at high risk of postpartum psychosis. This illness is temporary and treatable with professional help. It is important that mothers with this illness seek help immediately because it can become lie threatening to the child and parent. This illness can cause the mother to kill herself or the baby. According to Postpartum Support International, there is a 5% suicide rate and a 4% infanticide rate. This illness is very dangerous but can be treated. Postpartum Psychosis is considered a medical