Definition of Postpartum psychosisPostpartum psychosis: A very serious mental illness that can affect a new mother. The episode of psychosis usually begins within 1 to 3 months of delivery. A woman with postpartum psychosis may lose touch with reality and have auditory hallucinations (hearing things that are not actually happening, like a person talking) and delusions (perceiving things differently from the way they are). Visual hallucinations ((seeing things that are not there) are less common. Other symptoms may include insomnia, agitation, anger, and irrational guilt about somehow having done something wrong. Women who have postpartum psychosis need prompt treatment and almost always need medication. If they are at risk for hurting themselves or someone else, women with postpartum psychosis need to be in a hospital. Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=26212 Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012
Medical Dictionary Definitions A - ZSearch Medical Dictionary
eMedicineHealth Top News
|
Emotional Wellness
Get tips on therapy and treatment.
From WebMD
Mental Health Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Featured Topics
Most Popular Topics
Medical Dictionary
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick, easy,
pill identification
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including 24 hour, pharmacies

