How to Treat Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a severe illness in which the patient suffers from hallucinations after the birth of a baby. Symptoms of this illness can include thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, inability to control violent thoughts, feelings of inadequacy and feelings of terror and shame about the violent thoughts. This illness is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Women suffering from this illness experience a marked change in mood, confusion, hallucinations and thoughts that the baby is a child of Satan. Read on to learn more about how to treat postpartum psychosis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Doctor

1. Understand postpartum psychosis. This illness is characterized by psychotic behavior that suddenly begins during the postpartum period. Women who have suffered from depression or psychosis in the past, or who have family histories of bipolar disorder, are more likely to suffer from postpartum psychosis.
2. Take note that hospitalization is required for people suffering from postpartum psychosis. This is because it is considered a psychiatric emergency, and it is necessary in order to stabilize the patient's mood and thoughts.
3. Discuss a method of treatment with your doctor. In addition to a plan of treatment, your doctor will probably tell you how long it may take to treat your illness, what your chances of relapse are and what to do to avoid a re-occurrence. She may also want to discuss your illness with your spouse or significant other because it is very important that you receive support during treatment.
4. Learn about the medication you may have to take. Medication used to treat postpartum psychosis usually includes antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and drugs for anxiety. Some antidepressants are also used to treat anxiety by improving your mood, sleep, concentration and appetite.
5. See another doctor if your regular doctor is not familiar with the signs of postpartum psychosis or does not listen to you. Compared to postpartum depression, the occurrence of postpartum psychosis is relatively rare. This means that there is a good chance of being misdiagnosed.
6. Find out whether your health insurance will cover your treatment and the drugs you will require.

Tips & Warnings

• Many women who suffer from postpartum psychosis are secretive about it because they are ashamed of the thoughts going through their minds. It is very important to let someone know what you are going through. Seek immediate medical attention.