Motherhood – a disturbed beginning: A review of a case series

Abstract

Introduction

Perinatal mental illness is one of the most frequent complications of pregnancy and the postpartum period. During the puerperium, the risk of developing a mental disease, such as a psychotic episode, is higher than in any other time in a woman's life.

Objectives

The two main objectives are to describe a case series of 4 patients diagnosed with pospartum psychosis, and to synthesize the most important facets of this mental illness based on a literature review.

Aims

The aim is to provide an overview of the clinical and epidemiological aspects of postpartum psychosis.

Methods

The four clinical cases are presented by describing the similar as opposed to the differential aspects between all patients, using the information obtained through successive clinical interviews and the case file. Research was accomplished through Clinical Key and PubMed (2005-2015) using the keywords: postpartum psychosis.

Results

In all four cases, the patients developed symptoms of sleep disturbance, mood fluctuation, altered thinking process with delusions or obsessions, and bizarre behaviours. This occurred within the first four weeks after labour, which was in all cases an obstrutced labour. The data suggests that postpartum psychosis is a presentation of bipolar disorder. Clinical aspects and risk factors related to this perinatal complication all coincide with the cases presented.

Conclusions

Postpartum psychosis is a rare presentation of perinatal mental illness. However, it presents itself, as a psychiatric emergency, and the early and correct assessment are crucial to reset the development of the mother–child bond.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.