Postnatal Mental Illness

Baby Blues

This occurs in the 1st week after birth, particularly in first-time mothers. It's not a psychiatric condition, and usually resolves within 1 week (no treatment required). It can be due to a combination of:

• Hormonal changes

• Fatigue and sleep deprivation

• Increased responsibility

• Establishing feeding

Its symptoms include Mood swings, Low mood, Anxiety, Irritability, and Tearfulness.

A complication of it is that it can disrupt the early bonding and breastfeeding periods.

Postnatal Depression

This occurs from 3 months – 1 year after birth.

Its symptoms are that of normal depression - Low mood and energy, Anhedonia. These symptoms have to be present for at least 2 weeks to be diagnosed, therefore it's important to find out the exact timescale of symptoms.

It's managed with additional support and SSRI's.

Complications of it are include:

• Disruption to early bonding and breastfeeding

• Neglect of the baby

• Marital/relationship problems

• Child development and behavioural problems later on

• Maternal suicide or Infanticide in extreme cases

Puerperal Psychosis

This occurs within the first few weeks after birth.

Its symptoms include Delusions, Hallucinations, Thought disorder, Depression, Mania, and Confusion.

Management:

• Admission to mother and baby unit

• Antipsychotics, Lithium (mood stabiliser), Antidepressants

• Rule out infection

Complications of it include:

• Neglect of the baby

• Maternal suicide or Infanticide