Postpartum Depression Vs Postpartum Psychosis – Lokeshwari T, Assistant Professor / Psychology
Postpartum Depression Vs Postpartum Psychosis – Lokeshwari T
When distinguishing postpartum depression vs. postpartum psychosis, it’s important to know that they are both mental health conditions that affect some women after giving birth. Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum psychosis (PPP) both involve mood changes, but they have different symptoms and require different treatments to manage the effects in the postpartum period. The good news is both are highly treatable with online therapy and possibly medication when addressed early on. It’s essential to be aware of the differences between PPD and PPP so you can seek the right type of help as soon as possible. (Werner E, Miller M, Osborne LM, Kuzava S, Monk C)
In this blog, we will explore the intricate relationship between Postpartum Psychosis vs. Postpartum Depression and the reasons how Postpartum Psychosis affects postpartum depression.
Introduction
“The period with a newborn can be overwhelming. While the “baby blues” are common, postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are more serious concerns. These conditions have nothing to do with how much you love your child, and remember you can get support and recover from each of these conditions.”– Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH
What is the Difference Between
Postpartum Depression & Psychosis?
Postpartum
depression vs. psychosis are distinct mental health conditions that can affect
mothers in the postpartum period.
- Postpartum depression’s hallmark symptom is a prolonged sadness or emptiness, potentially coupled with difficulty sleeping, weariness, altered appetite, low self-esteem, anxiousness, and irritability. In addition, women with PPD often feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with their new motherhood responsibilities. PPD symptoms will last for longer than 2 weeks and can persist for up to a year after childbirth if left untreated.
- In
contrast, postpartum psychosis is
much more severe and typically occurs within the first week or 2 after
delivery. Symptoms include delusions or false beliefs, hallucinations,
manic behavior such as excessive energy or talking rapidly, and more. PPP
requires immediate medical attention, as it can be detrimental to the new
mother and newborn if not addressed promptly.
It’s
important to note that most women will fully recover from either condition with adequate and proper
treatment.
What is postpartum depression?
PPD is a serious form of clinical
depression that research suggests might
affect up to an estimated 20% of new mothers after childbirth. It’s the most
common childbirth complication and can cause extreme psychological distress,
including despair, apprehension, and exhaustion.
PPD
typically begins within the first 4 weeks after giving birth and can last for
months or even years if left untreated. While it’s generally women who
experience PPD, studies show that
men can also be affected.
Symptoms
Feelings
of hopelessness, helplessness, listlessness, insomnia, mental fog,
irritability, and appetite fluctuations are symptoms of PPD. Some women may
also experience physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues. Many
women with PPD feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities as a new mother. As a
result, they may struggle to bond with their new baby due to a lack of
motivation or feeling emotionally disconnected.
If
you think you may be showing signs, take our postpartum depression test to learn more
about your symptoms. It’s also highly recommended that you connect with a
doctor or therapist to discuss what you’re experiencing.
Risk factors
Risk
factors for PPD can include a prior history of depression, birth issues, being
single or unmarried, living alone during childbirth, financial hardship, and
inadequate social assistance. According to studies,
one of the biggest risk factors for developing PPD is being depressed while
you’re pregnant.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum
psychosis is a severe mental health condition that can occur after giving
birth. Rarer than PPD, research shows that
PPP affects an estimated 1 – 2 women out of every 1,000. Postpartum
psychosis can manifest as extreme mood swings, confusion, disorientation,
delusions, and hallucinations. PPD usually develops within the first couple
weeks after delivery, but it can appear within the first year of your baby’s
life.
Symptoms
The
most common symptom of postpartum psychosis is an intense feeling of depression
that might be accompanied by mania or hypomania (elevated mood). Other
indications can be drastic changes in sleep habits (oversleeping or not getting
enough rest), having problems focusing, experiencing racing intrusive thoughts,
being overly excited, and fidgeting.
In
extreme cases, suicidal thoughts and behavior may accompany delusions or hallucinations
like auditory and visual distortions, which can be very dangerous.
Risk factors
Risk
factors that might increase the likelihood of
postpartum psychosis can include:
- Having
bipolar disorder or depression
- Having
prior episodes of baby blues
- Being
younger than 25 years old
- Delivering
multiple infants simultaneously
- Going
through complications in pregnancy, such as preeclampsia
- Experiencing
stressors before delivery, like financial issues or relationship
difficulties
- Family
history of mental health conditions
Can PPD Turn into Psychosis?
A
common question surrounding postpartum psychosis vs. depression is whether the
milder version, postpartum depression, can ever turn into psychosis. In short,
the answer is no. PPD will not turn into psychosis. That said, note that
they can co-occur.
Most
often, PPD resolves on its own, but it can last up to a year if left untreated.
Postpartum psychosis typically requires medication and hospitalization to
stabilize a mother’s mental state and ensure the safety of both mother and
child until recovery begins.
“It’s important to remember that
postpartum depression cannot turn into postpartum psychosis, but both can occur
simultaneously. Each of these conditions can be treated, and it is crucial to
reach out to your healthcare provider and let them know what’s going on so you
can get proper support and care. You do not have to struggle alone.”– Talkspace therapist Jill Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH
Treating Postpartum Psychosis vs.
Postpartum Depression
Therapy
and depression medication, including
antidepressants and mood stabilizer medication, can be among the best ways to treat postpartum depression.
Treatment
for postpartum psychosis typically involves hospitalization with medications
such as antipsychotics or mood stabilizer medication, supportive therapy from
family members, and healthcare professionals specializing in maternal mental
health issues.
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