Scholarly

Since I procrastinated yesterday and did close to no work I am busily making up for it today. Maybe it's because I just handed in a big paper on Sunday or maybe it's because this week's topic is all about childhood and I am not so interested in working with children. Apparantley, that is even clearer as I find more and more things to do to put off my work!

So here, for your reading entertainment, is one of my short papers I've handed in and received an A for :) It's not that long, I promise.. 

An Overview of Postpartum Psychosis

Childbirth can have an affect on women psychologically and physiologically ranging on a massive spectrum anywhere from pure joy to utter devastation. Personally, it is important for me to be aware of the symptoms of the postnatal conditions as many of the women I associate with, both personally and professionally, and including myself, are at the age where many of us are, or will become pregnant. 

“As many as 60% of all new mothers report feeling tearful, irritable, moody, anxious, and depressed within the first few days after birth” (Sigelman & Rider, 2006, p. 104). This feeling is known as the baby blues and is likely linked to the changes in hormones, the stress related to childbirth as well as the new responsibilities that come with raising a child (Sigelman & Rider, 2006). Approximately 10% of new mothers experience the more serious postnatal depression – an episode of depression post-delivery that can last months (Sigelman & Rider, 2006).  Far more serious still, is the onset of postpartum psychosis (PP), which occurs in 1-2 per 1000 women after childbirth. (Kennedy & Suttenfield, 2009).

The onset of postpartum psychosis is rapid, the patient develops “paranoia, grandiose, or bizarre delusions, mood swings, confused thinking and greatly disorganized behavior that represent a dramatic change from her previous functioning” (Sit, Rothschild & Wisner, p. 353). The data suggests that PP is “an overt presentation of bipolar disorder that is timed to coincide with tremendous hormonal shifts after delivery” (Sit, Rothschild & Wisner, p. 352). The combination of the symptoms can lead to devastating consequences if left untreated. Women with a known history of bipolar disorder or a history of PP within the family are at substantial risk of developing PP themselves (Sit, Rothschild & Wisner). However, in a Swedish study of 892 women hospitalized due to PP about half (n = 436) had no history of psychiatric hospitalization (Hay, p. 130).

Early detection can lead to successful treatment of PP ensuring the safety of both mother and offspring. Once a physician has established a diagnosis he or she should “(1) educate the patient and her family about the illness, (2) rule out organic causes, (3) initiate pharmacotherapy and supportive therapy, and (4) repeatedly assess the patient’s function and safety status” (Sit, Rothschild & Wisner p. 359). The process of psychoeducation is essential. It will enhance the therapeutic alliance; furthermore it will strengthen the patient’s decision-making process about treatment and her feelings of self-efficacy” (Sit, Rothschild & Wisner, p. 359).

Postpartum psychosis is a rare condition when compared to the baby blues or postnatal depression. However, due to the devastating outcomes that could potentially transpire I chose to discuss it hoping that an increased understanding of it within our learning environment could one day prove helpful, even lifesaving.

References

Hay, P. J., (2009). Post-partum psychosis: Which women are at highest risk? PLoS Medicine, 6(2), 130-131.

Kennedy, R.S., Suttenfield, K., (2009). Postpartum depression. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/408688

Sigelman, C. K., & Rider, E.A. (2006). Life-span human development (5^th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadworth Cengage Learning.

Sit. D., Rothschild. A. J., Wisner, K. L. (2006). A review of postpartum psychosis. Journal of Women’s Health, 15(4), 352-368.