Ladies, have you ever heard of postpartum psychosis? Postpartum psychosis is a mental health condition that can occur in a new mother. The word "psychosis" refers to a loss of sense of reality. The condition is rare but can happen to anyone and is more likely to occur in those with certain mental health conditions. It also appears very suddenly, sometimes hours after giving birth or months after giving birth.
People with this condition risk hurting themselves, taking their own lives, or hurting their children. Therefore, this is very dangerous and is classified as a mental health emergency. Postpartum psychosis must be treated as soon as possible. Therefore, call the local emergency service number for help if this condition occurs.
Symptoms
Symptoms of postpartum psychosis can include extreme mood swings, depersonalization, insomnia, irritability, aggressiveness, lack of organized behavior and thoughts, and thoughts of harming oneself or others (especially newborns). People with postpartum psychosis will have 2 main characteristics, namely:
1. Hallucinations
It is shown when the brain acts after getting suggestions from the senses (eyes, ears, or touch) when, in fact, it doesn't exist. A person feels that he has seen or heard something that was not really happening, but that feels real. These hallucinations result in a person being unable to distinguish between what is really happening and what are just hallucinations.
2. Delusions
It is indicated when someone believes in something strongly. If someone has delusions, they will not change what they believe even though there is evidence that this is false. For example, delusions of abuse (thinking people will hurt themselves when they go out), delusions of control (believing someone else is controlling their bodies), or somatic delusions (insisting on not having children).
The two main characteristics of postpartum psychosis are hallucinations and delusions
Causes
There is no known exact cause of postpartum psychosis. However, several things are suspected as risk factors, namely:
1. History of mental health conditions
About a third of people with this condition have another mental health disorder, including bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or schizophrenia.
2. Number of pregnancies
It is more common in women who have given birth for the first time.
3. Family history
There are cases where other family members have the same mental health condition.
3. Sleep deprivation
Not getting enough sleep can trigger a manic condition in sufferers of mental health disorders, especially bipolar disorder.
4. Hormonal changes
Pregnancy causes a woman to experience hormonal fluctuations, which can increase or decrease.
5. Other medical conditions
Autoimmune diseases, electrolyte imbalances, vitamin deficiencies (B1 and B12), preeclampsia, eclampsia, stroke, thyroid disorders, etc.
Diagnosis
To diagnose postpartum psychosis, a mental health professional will usually review it based on symptoms, both the results of observation and self-report. After that, proceed with a physical and neurological examination. Other tests may need to be done to rule out other underlying causes, such as blood tests, urine tests, body fluid tests, CT scans, or MRIs.
Treatment
Because postpartum psychosis is a mental health emergency, a person must be hospitalized forcibly if other family members are unsure they can treat her. The purpose of forced hospitalization is to ensure they are safe and can carry out their activities as comfortably as possible, especially because of the high risk of hallucinations and delusions that can make them hurt themselves or others.
During hospitalization or at home, a person may need to take medications such as antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anti-seizures, and lithium. In addition, electroconvulsive therapy can also be done. This treatment involves using a mild electric current to trigger seizures so that changes in activity occur in the brain to reduce and overcome the symptoms of postpartum psychosis.
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People with postpartum psychosis need to get inpatient treatment
So, postpartum psychosis is a mental health emergency for postpartum mothers. The two main signs are hallucinations and delusions, which put a person at risk of harming themselves or their baby. If the condition cannot be treated at home, a person must be hospitalized forcibly. Ladies, have you ever experienced this? You can share here to help other new moms.