What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis (not to be confused with postpartum depression) is a psychiatric emergency with symptoms that can be extreme and dangerous, as testified in the trial of Lindsay Clancy. Correspondent Faith Salie talks with experts about the symptoms, diagnosis and stigma surrounding postpartum psychosis; and with a mother whose experience of hallucinations and distorted reality soon after giving birth threatened her and her family.
TL;DR
- Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency, not postpartum depression.
- Its symptoms can be extreme and dangerous.
- The trial of Lindsay Clancy highlighted these symptoms.
- Experts discuss symptoms, diagnosis, and the stigma associated with postpartum psychosis.
- A mother shares her experience with hallucinations and distorted reality after giving birth.