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Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis requires intensive nursing, usually but not always in hospital.

The mother should not be left alone with her baby when acutely unwell.

Psychosis is not always obvious – anyone with any significant degree of psychiatric symptoms should be asked about what they are thinking or experiencing. Examples of some questions:

  • Do you have any scary thoughts?
  • Do you feel as though anyone is out to harm you?
  • What has been the most concerning thought you have had?
  • What has been the most worrying thing that has happened?
  • Has anything unusual or strange happened?
  • Do you trust the people around you?

Always check for suicidal thoughts and thoughts of harming others including shaking the baby.

Arrange for the woman to be seen urgently by a psychiatrist.

For more information

See information for women on postpartum psychosis

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Postnatal Depression Medical Info Bipolar Disorder


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