SUMMARY
Postpartum psychosis is a mood disorder that has a variable onset. It is characterized by mood-congruent delusions, hallucinations, and thoughts of harming the baby or self. DO NOT LEAVE MOTHER ALONE WITH INFANT DUE TO RISK OF INFANTICIDE!
Risk factors history of bipolar or psychotic disorder, first pregnancy, family history, recent discontinuation of psychiatric medications.
Treatment: hospitalization and initiation of atypical antipsychotic. If treatment resistant, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used.
Page Updated: 06.19.2016