WHAT ARE PSYCHIATRIC PUERPERAL DISORDERS?

There are three major psychiatric puerperal disorders that present as complications of childbirth. It is important to consider the health of the mother as well as the baby, also their relationship when managing these conditions.

• POSTPARTUM BLUES

Most women are subjected to it to some extent.

Symptoms begin within a few hours of birth and peak on about the 4th day and then resolve within a week. 

It is because of hormonal changes related to childbirth.

It is characterized by: 

• irritability
• labile mood 
• weeping tendency.

• POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

It is less common than postpartum blues but its rate of occurrence has shown to have increased in the last few years. It is more severe and long-lasting than postpartum blues. 

Women with previous history and family history of depression are at more risk.

Some common symptoms are:

• The feeling of sadness and hopelessness(without any apparent cause)
• Excessive hunger and sleep
• Dull aching pain in various parts of the body
• Mood swings
• No interest in things that you use to enjoy earlier
• Loss of concentration and memory

Treatment consists of the use of medication and therapy. Counseling can help you make sense of destructive thoughts and offer a guide for working through them.

It’s also important to make some healthy changes in your daily routine. Eat a well-balanced diet and get some exercise each day

• PUERPERAL PSYCHOSIS

It is quite a rare disorder when compared to baby blues or postpartum depression. 

Symptoms of postpartum psychosis may present as:

• Strange beliefs and delusions or hallucinations
• Extreme mood swings
• Hyperactivity of mind and body
• Inability to sleep
• Suspiciousness
• Difficulty in communicating with others at times.
• Suicidal or infanticidal thoughts

Risk factors include a previous or family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or any kind of psychotic episode.