Postpartum psychosis and management: a case study

Postpartum (or puerperal) psychosis is an acute mood disorder requiring close specialist care. It is a disorder that is rare and poorly understood, but has devastating consequences. This work retrospectively describes the case study of a young woman who suffered postpartum psychosis following the birth of her first child. A critical appraisal of the care received follows this, focusing specifically on the postnatal period when she was most affected. It was found that critical information was not unearthed at the initial booking appointment, nor were her presenting symptoms recognised in a timely manner; detailing a need for greater training among midwives and care givers regarding early recognition and referral for postpartum psychosis