Puerperal psychosis is a brief psychotic disorder, also known as postpartum psychosis, and its symptoms appear within the first two weeks after childbirth. Generally, mothers who develop this condition experience delusions, hallucinations, and a state of confusion, occurring in approximately one in every five hundred births. The puerperal psychosis or postpartum psychosis disorder may or may not develop due to stressful factors, and hallucinations and delusions can present themselves in various ways. These may include imaginary thefts, anger toward the child, hearing voices, and other symptoms that may worsen without proper assistance.
Prejudice or Lack of Knowledge?
There is still a lot of prejudice regarding mental health disorders, and many patients hide what they are feeling, believing the situation will eventually pass. Another factor is the general lack of knowledge about the condition, which also delays treatment for puerperal psychosis, which is extremely important. Mothers in this situation often fear their baby will be taken away from them, but according to some psychiatrists, it is important for the patient to be monitored while remaining with her child. The important thing is to be aware of postpartum psychosis, as it requires medical treatment and appropriate medications for the psychotic state to subside. 
Main Symptoms of Puerperal Psychosis
Those who develop postpartum psychosis experience hallucinations where they hear and see things that are not real. The hallucinations can be frightening, causing severe distress and complete disorientation. These symptoms can vary, appearing, disappearing, or persisting. It’s important to note that this disease is different from postpartum depression, as puerperal psychosis requires immediate treatment. Another symptom is confusion; many mothers do not understand what is happening around them and also have trouble understanding what others are saying, struggling to distinguish what is being spoken. Delusions together with hallucinations and mental confusion are the main symptoms confirming postpartum psychosis. This also requires medical treatment, and in some cases, may present with episodes of violence.
Other Symptoms of Puerperal Psychosis
- Mood changes: Women affected by the condition often have sudden mood swings. They may be extremely euphoric at one moment, and very sad or angry at another.
- Sleep quality: Mothers generally have trouble falling asleep, suffering from insomnia and fighting to stay awake.
- Hyperactivity: Very common among women with postpartum psychosis, they become very restless, full of energy, and unable to sit still.
How to Treat Puerperal Psychosis
For many women with postpartum psychosis symptoms, hospitalization is necessary, and treatment is monitored by doctors until the condition stabilizes. Medication is helpful and should always be prescribed by a doctor, since antipsychotic drugs are used to help stabilize the condition and improve mood. There are always doubts among mothers regarding taking medication due to breastfeeding; these medications do not cause problems with breastfeeding, but always clarify your doubts with your doctor. Some doctors opt for electroconvulsive therapy, which is a shock treatment for psychotic disorders, where an electric current is sent to the brain under anesthesia.
What’s the Difference Between Puerperal Psychosis and Postpartum Blues?
Puerperal Psychosis or Postpartum Psychosis is a more severe condition that often requires hospitalization. Postpartum Blues or Baby Blues, as it’s known, is less severe but still causes significant psychological distress; the woman experiences deep sadness, feelings of insecurity, and fear, which usually happen after childbirth. The woman goes through various mood changes, a mix of feelings—sadness, joy, irritability, in general all the emotions and feelings experienced during pregnancy resurface after birth. The main symptom is crying and the feeling of helplessness, with an overwhelming sense of emptiness and fear. This maternal sadness is not recognized by doctors as a disease; it disappears without causing major problems for mother and baby, though it may cause symptoms such as tiredness, anguish, discouragement, constant crying, and sadness without an obvious reason. But be careful, if Baby Blues does not go away within one or two weeks after childbirth, it is advisable to see a doctor, as the condition may progress into postpartum depression.
Treatment for Postpartum Blues or Baby Blues
The recommended treatment is psychotherapy, which helps to clarify and understand the process of an empty belly and the whole feeling of moving from one stage to another. After all, the mother carried her baby for nine months, and now he is in her arms—what to do? It’s important not to blame yourself and try to talk to those around you. Let out all the confusing feelings that are troubling you; the more you express your feelings, the faster you’ll be able to organize your emotions. Another aggravating factor for this feeling is the anxiety about not being efficient or proactive enough in caring for your baby, but this sensation tends to pass. Don’t blame yourself; you are certainly doing your best, and day by day you will see that fulfilling and managing your motherly tasks becomes easier. But stay alert—if the symptoms persist and you’re not improving, it’s important to consult a doctor to check that your condition isn’t developing into Postpartum Depression. Also see: Rejecting Your Baby After Birth – Why Does It Happen? Photo: R_R_Studio
