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Review
. 2018 Sep;45(3):455-468.
doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2018.04.005.

Recognizing and Managing Postpartum Psychosis: A Clinical Guide for Obstetric Providers

Lauren M Osborne  1
Affiliations
Review

Recognizing and Managing Postpartum Psychosis: A Clinical Guide for Obstetric Providers

Lauren M Osborne. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2018 Sep.

Abstract

Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that affects 1 to 2 per 1000 women. Key clinical features include mood fluctuation, abnormal thoughts or behaviors, and confusion. Women with a history of bipolar disorder are at heightened risk, as are first-time mothers; current research on the causes focuses on biological triggers, such as immune dysregulation. Women with postpartum psychosis require inpatient hospitalization and should be treated with lithium, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines.

Keywords: Bipolar disorder; Perinatal psychiatric disorders; Postpartum psychosis; Treatment.

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