Postpartum psychosis (PP) is a serious mental illness that develops within weeks after childbirth and could carry high risk to both mother and baby.
Not currently classed as a ‘disorder’
Despite having a specific trigger, extreme risks and being recognised as a clinical emergency, PP is not listed as a disorder in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) – the handbook that doctors use to name and diagnose mental health conditions.
A delay in diagnosis and treatment
As PP is not formally recognised in the DSM, women across the globe may struggle to get timely and appropriate help, as suggested in a recent article in the New York Times.
It follows the story of Emily Sliwinski, who experienced a long delay and misdiagnosis of schizophrenia before she was correctly diagnosed with PP and received the treatment she needed.
The article references a recent review co-authored by National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) researchers, Professor Arianna Di Florio and Professor Ian Jones – calling for PP to be listed under the bipolar disorders chapter of the DSM.
Including PP in the DSM would increase understanding of the disorder and could lead to more research funding and better clinical care.
Professor Arianna Di Florio said:
“Emily’s story and the heated debate on the inclusion of postpartum psychosis in diagnostic manuals highlight the importance of research to inform clinical practice. The lack of an official definition and recognition perpetuates a vicious circle: insufficient evidence leads to inadequate diagnosis and treatment, which in turn limits further investigation.
Our work in Cardiff has strived to break this cycle by providing evidence for a more precise approach to this devastating illness. We hope our findings will continue to make a difference and improve the lives of those affected.”
Take part in research
The National Centre for Mental Health is trying to understand more about the causes and triggers of severe mental illness during pregnancy and following childbirth.
We invite you to take part if you’ve had a baby, and this may or may not have been followed by a severe episode of mental illness.
Find out more about the study and take part today.
Read the article
Read Emily’s story in the New York Times.
Read the review
Read ‘Postpartum Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder: Review of Neurobiology and Expert Consensus Statement on Classification’ in the Biological Psychiatry Journal.
Learn more
- Understanding Postpartum Psychosis
- Watch a webinar on postpartum psychosis hosted by NCMH and Action on Postpartum Psychosis