Post-natal psychosis: what you need to know
By: Abigail Christine Wright
Last updated: Wednesday, 6 January 2016
As popular British soap, Eastenders, includes a storyline involving Stacey Branning experiencing postpartum psychosis, the telegraph has posted a real life story of this experience.
Postpartum psychosis is suggested to be triggered by the sudden drop in hormones after birth. The symptoms can include:
- Manic behaviour
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Having racing thoughts
- Experiencing insomnia
Victoria Pavitt describes her experiences here.
Most people have heard of post-natal depression, but few have heard of post-natal psychosis. Victoria suggested that it’s essential to see it as a separate issue rather than place it under the umbrella of post-natal depression.
Post-natal psychosis usually starts within the first two weeks of birth and can occur out of the blue – although woman with, or family history of, depression or bipolar disorder are at higher risk. The symptoms appear to be shorter lived, 2-12 weeks, which gives hope and reassurance to many. Many woman do go on to make a full recovery.
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