Prenatal depression leading to postpartum psychosis

Abstract

Postpartum psychosis is a mood disorder occurring up to 3 months after delivery. Incidence is one to two women every 1,000 live births. If not detected and appropriately treated in time, it may have detrimental effects on both the mother and her baby. We report a case of puerperal psychosis in a patient with a history of depression. We have also reviewed the relevant literature discussing prediction, management and differential diagnosis of postpartum psychosis. We emphasise the importance of early detection and provision of care to all women at risk of mental illness by multidisciplinary team, including GPs, obstetricians, midwives and perinatal mental health professionals.

Keywords:

• Depression
• affective disorders
• puerperal psychosis
• mental health
• tricyclic antidepressants
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.