Many new moms have intrusive thoughts. That's not the same as postpartum psychosis.
Reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Sarah Oreck says postpartum psychosis is often misunderstood, and early treatment can dramatically improve outcomes.
Dr. Sarah Oreck, a reproductive psychiatrist, has treated postpartum psychosis, a condition that affects 4,000 women in the US annually. Despite this relatively high number, postpartum psychosis is often misunderstood as rare, making many new mothers unaware of its potential severity. Violence involving postpartum psychosis is extremely rare, with only 1% to 4% of women with the condition killing their children.
The condition can be difficult to identify as symptoms often resemble intrusive thoughts experienced by many new mothers. Intrusive thoughts are typically ego dystonic, meaning they clash with the mother's sense of self, whereas psychosis is characterized by a break with reality. Early intervention is crucial, as untreated postpartum psychosis can lead to tragic outcomes.
Most patients recover with inpatient hospitalization, ongoing therapy, and antipsychotic medications for at least a year.
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