Bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis

Symptoms can change quickly and the affected person may not recognise that they are unwell. Same-day emergency assessment is needed; do not wait for a routine postnatal or psychiatric appointment.

Possible features include extreme elation or irritability, severe depression, agitation, confusion, rapid speech, racing thoughts, very little sleep, hallucinations or strongly held beliefs that others do not share. Behaviour may seem unusually driven, fearful, suspicious or disorganised.

Postpartum psychosis is more severe than the brief tearfulness and emotional sensitivity often called baby blues. It can occur after a birth even without a previous psychiatric diagnosis. A personal history of bipolar disorder or postpartum psychosis is information the emergency team needs immediately.

Stay with the affected person and arrange emergency medical assessment. Until professionals take over, another responsible adult should care for the baby. Reduce noise and confrontation, speak calmly, and do not argue about unusual beliefs. Remove access to medicines, weapons, car keys or other means of harm if this can be done safely.

Tell clinicians about all current medicines, recent dose changes, sleep loss, substance use and previous manic, depressive or psychotic episodes. Do not leave the person to drive or manage the crisis alone. Treatment may require hospital care, medication and coordinated perinatal mental-health support.

Call UAE emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department now if a person after birth is hallucinating, severely confused, behaving dangerously, unable to sleep with escalating energy, or expressing thoughts of suicide, self-harm or harm to the baby. Mention recent childbirth and possible postpartum psychosis when you call.

If you cannot transport the person safely or they refuse help while clearly unwell, request emergency assistance rather than trying to manage the situation at home. Immediate risk, not the person's willingness to seek care, determines the urgency.

Once urgent care is in place, ask how treatment will protect sleep, how feeding choices relate to prescribed medicines, what signs could indicate relapse, and who can provide overnight support. Request a written follow-up and crisis plan before discharge, including contacts for the family.