Last update:
   05-Dec-2022
 

Arch Hellen Med, 39(6), November-December 2022, 727-734

REVIEW

The impact of postpartum psychosis on the lives of women and their families

C. Arampatzi,1 P. Eskitzis,2 A. Spyropoulou3
1Postgraduate Program "Pathology of Pregnancy", School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens,
2Department of Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, Ptolemaida,
3Clinic of Physical Mental Health for Women and Reproductive Psychiatry, First Psychiatric Clinic, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece

Postpartum psychosis is an acute mental disorder that occurs following childbirth, with a prevalence of 1–2/1,000 births. Its onset is usually sudden and it is a medical emergency, often requiring medication and inpatient care. In some cases, it marks the onset of chronic disease, mainly of the mood disorder spectrum. Studies have shown that postpartum psychosis has adverse effects on the emotional state and daily life of all the family members. The emotions experienced are modified during the course of the disease, changing from those at its appearance and the time the woman is hospitalized, to those during her recovery and in the long term. The main problem in the practical and emotional management of postpartum psychosis is insufficient information about the disease, and those who are affected feel isolated, and do not know how to deal with this difficult situation.

Key words: Child, Family, Impact, Partner, Postpartum psychosis.

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