Does perinatal mental health support treat postpartum psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis can cause hallucinations, unusual beliefs, severe confusion, extreme agitation, rapidly changing mood or very little need for sleep. The person may not recognise that they are unwell. This is different from ordinary tiredness or unwanted anxious thoughts after birth.

Perinatal mental health professionals can coordinate assessment, medication, close monitoring, admission when needed and support for the baby and family. Treatment decisions consider physical health, breastfeeding, previous mental health history and immediate safety. Talking support may help recovery, but it does not replace urgent medical treatment during an acute episode.

If you or someone who has recently given birth has these symptoms, contact emergency services or go to an emergency department now. Do not leave the person alone, argue about beliefs or rely on them to arrange care. Bring prescribed medicines and maternity information if this can be done safely.

Immediate help is needed for hallucinations, frightening beliefs, severe confusion, unsafe behaviour, thoughts of suicide or harm, or inability to care for the baby. Keep the baby with a safe adult and tell clinicians exactly what has changed and when.

Ask where assessment will happen, what monitoring is required, how the baby will be supported, how medicines relate to feeding, and which symptoms mean emergency help is needed again after discharge.