The case of US mother Lindsay Clancy has renewed attention on postpartum psychosis, a rare but severe mental health condition that can develop after childbirth.

Clancy, who was accused of killing her three children in Massachusetts in 2022, has said she was experiencing postpartum psychosis at the time. Her case has since prompted wider discussion about the condition and how it can affect new mothers.

But while postpartum psychosis can have devastating consequences, it is important to distinguish the medical condition from the far more common emotional and mental health difficulties that can follow childbirth.

How Common Is Postpartum Psychosis In The UK?

According to the NHS, postpartum psychosis affects around one in every 1,000 mothers after giving birth. It is considered a medical emergency because symptoms can worsen rapidly and may put the safety of the mother or baby at risk.

By comparison, perinatal mental health problems as a whole are much more common. NHS England estimates that up to 26% of new and expectant mothers experience a mental health illness during pregnancy or the first year after birth.

What Is Postpartum Psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis, also known as postnatal or puerperal psychosis, is a serious psychiatric condition that usually develops suddenly during the first two weeks after childbirth. In some cases, symptoms can begin within hours or days of giving birth.

Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion, mania, agitation, and rapidly changing moods. A postpartum psychosis patient may hear or see things that are not there, develop strongly held beliefs that are not based in reality, or behave in ways that are completely out of character.

One particularly important feature is that the person may not realise they are becoming unwell. Family members or healthcare professionals may notice the changes first.

Who Is At Risk?

Postpartum psychosis can happen to someone with no previous history of mental illness. Research cited by the NHS notes that around half of cases can occur 'out of the blue' in women without previous mental health problems.

However, certain factors increase risk. These include a history of bipolar disorder, previous postpartum psychosis, and a family history of affective psychosis.

Women with bipolar disorder are particularly vulnerable during the postpartum period. One NHS research summary notes that childbirth is a period of high risk for recurrence among women with bipolar disorder.

How Is It Different From The 'Baby Blues'?

The 'baby blues' are common and usually involve temporary feelings of tearfulness, irritability, or low mood during the first few days after birth.

Postpartum psychosis is very different. It involves a loss of contact with reality and can progress quickly, making urgent assessment essential.

It should also not be confused with postnatal depression, which is much more common and can involve persistent low mood, anxiety, hopelessness, and difficulty coping.

What Should Families Do?

Anyone experiencing possible symptoms of postpartum psychosis needs urgent professional help. The NHS advises contacting a GP immediately for an urgent assessment. People can also call NHS 111 if they cannot reach a GP or are unsure what to do. If there is an immediate risk of harm, they should go to A&E or call 999.

Treatment usually involves specialist psychiatric care, often in a hospital setting such as a mother and baby unit. With prompt treatment and appropriate support, most women can fully recover.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is postpartum psychosis?
    Postpartum psychosis is a serious psychiatric condition that can develop suddenly after childbirth, characterised by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and severe confusion.
  • How common is postpartum psychosis?
    Postpartum psychosis affects around one in every 1,000 mothers after giving birth.
  • What should families do if they suspect postpartum psychosis?
    Families should seek urgent professional help by contacting a GP for an assessment, or call NHS 111 if unsure. In emergencies, go to A&E or call 999.
  • How is postpartum psychosis different from the 'baby blues'?
    The 'baby blues' involve temporary feelings of tearfulness and low mood, while postpartum psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality and requires urgent assessment.
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