Postpartum Psychosis: Symptoms and Emergency Support

June 13, 2025

Authored by: Hayley Snelling, B.S. Psychology

Edited by: Emma Loker, B.S

Most people have heard about postpartum depression, but have you heard about postpartum psychosis? It’s a much rarer and more severe mental health condition that affects one or two out of every thousand new mothers.¹

Postpartum psychosis can hit very quickly, within days of giving birth, leaving you feeling paranoid or deep in hallucinations. It can be a terrifying ordeal for new moms and the people who love them.

If you’re a new parent and something just feels…wrong…or if you’re a partner noticing changes that don’t seem like the “baby blues,” it’s essential to take those signs seriously. Coping with (or helping a loved one cope with) postpartum psychosis is difficult, but recovery is totally possible. It begins with awareness, early treatment, and compassionate care.

On this page, you’ll discover:

What postpartum psychosis is
Postpartum psychosis symptoms to watch for
Treatment options
Emergency support for postpartum psychosis
Answers to some frequently asked questions

Understanding Postpartum Psychosis

Let’s face it, just the name “postpartum psychosis” sounds scary, right? It’s the psychosis part that tends to strike fear, conjuring up images of villains you may have seen on the TV or in films. But what does postpartum psychosis really mean? Let’s take a closer look and dispel some of the myths.

What Is Postpartum Psychosis?

According to the American Psychology Association, postpartum psychosis is “delusions, hallucinations, or other symptoms of impaired reality testing that occur in some women shortly after childbirth.”²

This means that you may hear voices or see things that aren’t really there (hallucinations). You could have delusions, such as believing that someone is trying to harm your baby or yourself, or that your child is possessed, for example. You might feel disoriented or confused, as though you’re in a dream.

Mood swings, feeling tearful, having a lot of energy, being in an extremely excited mood, thinking of suicide, and doing things that are out of character for you are also common. All of these are postpartum psychosis symptoms.

How Many People Does It Affect?

The latest data shows that between one and two women out of every thousand new moms receive a postpartum psychosis diagnosis.¹ It is one of the most severe postpartum mental health issues and usually sets in within the first six weeks after giving birth. It is considered a medical emergency, meaning it’s imperative that you seek medical attention straight away.

What Causes Postpartum Psychotic Episodes After Childbirth?

Certain factors put you at a higher risk for developing postpartum psychosis, such as:^3,4

Personal or family history of bipolar disorder, psychosis, or schizophrenia
Experience of postpartum psychosis in a previous pregnancy
Discontinuing psychiatric medications during pregnancy
Lack of sleep and hormonal fluctuations after birth
Preterm birth
Fetal/infant death

So, if you’ve experienced any of these things and you’re worried you may be struggling with postpartum psychosis, we recommend reaching out.

Recognizing Postpartum Psychosis

It can be really helpful to have a simple list of postpartum psychosis symptoms to keep watch for. That way, as soon as you or your partner notice a couple of signs, you can get the immediate medical help you need.

With that in mind, here are the most common signs and symptoms of perinatal psychosis:^3,5

Delusions
Hallucinations
Feeling very agitated or restless
Having more energy than usual
Feeling severely depressed or manic
Being suspicious of others or paranoid
Less need for/unable to sleep
Acting out of character
Feeling very confused and as though things aren’t real
Racing thoughts
Rapid mood swings
Sometimes having difficulty communicating
Becoming withdrawn or isolating yourself from others
Thinking of suicide, and sometimes taking your baby with you

The most severe symptoms usually last anywhere between two and twelve weeks, but it can take up to a year to fully recover from postpartum psychosis.⁶ These can sound daunting, but remember that help is available, and you can recover from perinatal psychosis and the symptoms it brings. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call your doctor or 911 to get immediate help.

What If I Don’t Get Help?

It’s normal to want to power through things alone, especially when you have limited energy after having a baby and perhaps limited funds. However, postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health condition that needs immediate treatment. Let’s explore why.

If you are experiencing postpartum psychosis, you have a higher risk of hurting yourself or other people, including your newborn child – even if it’s the last thing you want. If you are having thoughts of suicide, this is also a risk of death, both for you and your child.

None of this is your fault. The delusions you experience can seem very real, and you may feel compelled to act on them. This is why it’s so important to get professional help quickly: So that you can get treatment and recover as soon as possible.³

Next, we’ll look at the treatments available for postpartum psychosis.

Treatment for Postpartum Psychosis

You’ll be pleased to know that mental health care for postpartum psychosis is very effective. The exact treatment may vary depending on your symptoms, for instance, whether or not you are at risk of hurting yourself or your baby. Let’s take a closer look at the treatment options.

Inpatient Treatment

If you pose a risk to yourself or your baby, you will benefit greatly from inpatient treatment at a hospital. This way, you can receive treatment such as medication for your condition while knowing you and your baby are in a safe environment with 24/7 care and support.^4,7

Medication

Medication is the main treatment for managing postpartum psychosis. You may need to take a mood stabilizer, antipsychotic, or antiepileptic medication to manage the symptoms.⁴ You may also be prescribed a benzodiazepine to help you get some much-needed sleep.⁸

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can help patients with postpartum psychosis related to schizophrenia when medication isn’t having the results you’d hope for. ECT isn’t like you see in the movies: It’s actually considered a safe and effective treatment, especially for those struggling with psychosis.⁴

Traditional Therapy

Psychotherapy can be a good treatment alongside medication for managing postpartum psychosis symptoms.⁴ Postpartum psychosis therapy, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and trauma-focused therapy, can help you to process what you’ve been through. It can also support your well-being and recovery.⁹

Emergency Support for Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum mental health emergencies are serious and need immediate medical attention. Call your doctor or an emergency crisis hotline straight away, so that you can get the help you need and deserve. There are a few different ways to access emergency intervention for postpartum psychosis. These are all free, confidential, and available 24/7:

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-Mama)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988.

Remember: If you are having postpartum psychosis symptoms, call your doctor, a mental health professional, or one of the crisis lines immediately to get the support and help you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

“How do I support someone with postpartum psychosis?”

The person may not realize they are unwell, because of the nature of the illness. It’s important to remember that what they’re going through isn’t their fault – it’s a medical condition. With the right treatment and support, they can fully recover.

The best course of action is to stay calm and talk to them. Don’t leave them by themselves, or alone with their child, especially if they’re at risk of hurting themselves or others. Encourage them to seek emergency medical care, and if you think they pose a risk to themselves or others, call 911 for advice and assistance.

Once they have received treatment and are recovering, you can offer practical support like helping with chores and looking after their baby so that they can rest.

“Is postpartum psychosis always an emergency?”

Yes, postpartum psychosis should be considered an emergency. It can come on suddenly and change very quickly. The mom may not realize she is unwell, and there is the potential to cause harm to themself and others.

“What is the first line treatment for postpartum psychosis?”

Usually, medications such as antipsychotics are used to manage and treat postpartum psychosis symptoms. You may also need to stay in a hospital to receive care and support if there is any risk to yourself or others.

“What happens if postpartum psychosis is left untreated?”

If you don’t receive treatment, your symptoms can get much worse, and you are at a higher risk of self-harm or suicide. We don’t say this to scare you, but because it is important to both your safety and your child’s. Untreated postpartum psychosis can make it difficult for you to bond with your baby. There’s also the potential for harm to come to your baby or those around you.

“How long can postpartum psychosis last without treatment?”

It can last for weeks or even months if you don’t receive treatment, and becomes more severe and dangerous the longer it goes on. If you do get treatment for it, you can recover pretty quickly, within a few weeks.¹⁰ This is why it’s so important to get immediate help for postpartum psychosis.

Seek Professional Support Today

If you or your loved one is struggling with their mental health, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Mission Connection, our professional team offers compassionate and expert perinatal mental health services that can be tailored to meet your individual needs. From educational resources and support groups to therapy, medication management, and even 24/7 residential care, we have you covered.

Explore our site to discover a range of perinatal mental health resources, including:

Or get in touch to speak to one of our advisors today. We’re here to listen and to help you. Click here to fill in our contact form, or call us to get started today.

References

Friedman, S. H., Reed, E., & Ross, N. E. (2023). Postpartum psychosis. Current Psychiatry Reports, 25(2), 65–72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01406-4
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018). Postpartum Psychosis. American Psychological Association. https://dictionary.apa.org/postpartum-psychosis
Postpartum Support International. (2025, April 14). Perinatal Psychosis (Pregnancy, Post-Loss, and Postpartum). Postpartum Support International (PSI). Postpartum Support International (PSI). https://postpartum.net/get-help/postpartum-psychosis-help/
Raza, S. K., & Raza, S. (2023, June 26). Postpartum psychosis. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544304/
Tommy’s: the Pregnancy and Baby Charity. (n.d.). Postpartum psychosis. Tommys. Retrieved on June 11, 2025, from: https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/after-birth/your-mental-health/postpartum-psychosis
NHS (2025, May 2). Postpartum psychosis. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-partum-psychosis/
ACOG. (n.d.). Summary of Perinatal Mental Health Conditions. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Retrieved on June 11, 2025, from: https://www.acog.org/programs/perinatal-mental-health/summary-of-perinatal-mental-health-conditions
Toor, R., Wiese, M., Croicu, C., & Bhat, A. (2024). Postpartum psychosis: a preventable psychiatric emergency. FOCUS the Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry, 22(1), 44–52. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20230025
Forde, R., Peters, S., & Wittkowski, A. (2019). Psychological interventions for managing postpartum psychosis: a qualitative analysis of women’s and family members’ experiences and preferences. BMC Psychiatry, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2378-y
Cleveland Clinic. (2025, June 2). Postpartum psychosis. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24152-postpartum-psychosis