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    "result": {"data":{"sanityPage":{"title":"Postnatal psychosis","slug":{"current":"support-postnatal-psychosis"},"section":"get-support","header":{"background":{"value":"#11383A"},"headline":"About postnatal psychosis","text":[{"_key":"1007955dd648","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"370af07fee480","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postnatal psychosis affects 1-2 women in every 1000 after childbirth."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-f5163c716474d6bd66f56eeeb7c9e115d1992f4e-2500x1500-jpg"},"crop":{"bottom":0,"right":0,"left":0,"top":0},"hotspot":{"height":1,"width":0.523972602739725,"x":0.4931506849315069,"y":0.5},"alt":null}},"associatedChecklist":null,"introduction":{"headline":"Postnatal psychosis is a serious but treatable mental health condition.","text":[{"_key":"62cf6e04513b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4e230765a03b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It is a potentially life-threatening condition that can put both mother and baby at risk."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"da80b2fce990","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"579cd4dcbc7a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Women with postnatal psychosis will almost always need admission to hospital for specialised psychiatric assessment, care and treatment. After the immediate treatment period, ongoing support is needed during the recovery process."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"modules":[{"_key":"e0c0ad9bf903","_type":"textImage","include":false,"background":{"value":"#FFD29D"},"contentOrder":"textFirst","eyebrow":null,"headline":"Signs and Symptoms","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-a254445c05703a6cc0a079cacac9c7c7cde84f8c-2500x1800-jpg"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":null,"caption":null},"text":[{"_key":"a1cc20ea9433","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d418f89b76450","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postnatal psychosis can cause sudden and dramatic changes in a person’s thinking, behaviour, mood and sleep patterns."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"10f81406b949","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e99fe2e0cee3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Learn the signs and symptoms to look out for if you are worried your partner or someone you may know might be experiencing postnatal psychosis. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"15b0ae171d38","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"document":{"_id":"e5370cce-5d44-44ac-b0e8-ddf15f36c760","_type":"article","_rev":"uvkwmHBNFFVutREQbikglZ","_createdAt":"2022-02-14T08:21:23Z","_updatedAt":"2024-02-05T04:39:00Z","categories":[{"_key":"91cc1f21654a","_ref":"f72ec3d7-1963-43ae-afc2-d15e54eb79a9","_type":"reference"}],"content":[{"_key":"86bdb46da236","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6ff8fe3d32220","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postnatal psychosis is a rare but serious mental condition that occurs after someone has given birth. Postnatal psychosis can cause sudden and dramatic changes in a person’s thinking, behaviour, mood and sleep patterns. Psychotic episodes involve a loss of contact with reality and unusual or erratic behaviour."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"6b7a22f7ac34","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f9548befed4b","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Parents who experience postnatal psychosis can experience manic episodes and/or severe symptoms of depression, including thoughts of suicide, or hurting themselves or their baby. A parent with postnatal psychosis may also experience sensory hallucinations. They may believe, hear, see or smell things that are not real."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"aa58caff4eea","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"536c219cb722","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postnatal psychosis is a condition that affects1 to 2 in every 1000 women who give birth. Symptoms normally occur within the first four weeks after giving birth but can occur up to 12 weeks after birth, or for months if left untreated."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"27c33b53a757","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9957cc34ffa0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your partner or someone you know who has recently given birth, you should seek professional support straight away."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"924dc99bde45","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2fff3e8bae94","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"If you think someone is at risk of harming themselves, their baby or someone else, please call 000 immediately."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"datePublished":"2022-02-14","header":{"_type":"pageHeader","background":{"title":"brightTeal20","value":"#E1F9F7"},"headline":"Postnatal Psychosis: Signs and symptoms ","image":{"_type":"imageWithAlt","asset":{"_ref":"image-a254445c05703a6cc0a079cacac9c7c7cde84f8c-2500x1800-jpg","_type":"reference"}},"text":[{"_key":"26e81a17982f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"82541f3edcd20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postnatal psychosis is a serious condition. Hope for recovery is strong with early intervention and professional treatment."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"modules":[{"_key":"f55d92525729","_type":"faqBlock","noNumbers":true,"questions":[{"_key":"e26f39a91998","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"67e78e49ab42","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"85b2f92615190","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"ACT Mental Health Triage Service - 1800 629 354 (24/7)"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"47b7e67b275a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"146cd6e1678c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"NSW Mental Health Line - 1800 011 511 (24/7)"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c8579aceb1c3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5f3b891b59360","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"NT Mental Health Line - 1800 682 288 (24/7)"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"57ee37556c67","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b081aae43c1a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"QLD Acute Care Team - 1300 642 255 (24/7)"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a64da0b152fc","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"126824a37fb20","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"SA Mental Health Triage Service - 13 14 65 (24/7)"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0551ab31afa1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0149a69300e90","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"TAS Mental Health Service Helpline - 1800 332 388 (24/7)"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9db733d93dd3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"dd369603cc270","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"VIC: "},{"_key":"a6372d09b31e","_type":"span","marks":["02e42fbaa3cf"],"text":"go here for mental health services in your area"},{"_key":"ac36690b02be","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", or call Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24 (24/7)"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"02e42fbaa3cf","_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"http://www3.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealthservices/"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d36de82bfc94","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7962d89900610","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"WA Mental Health Emergency Response Line 1800 676 822 (24/7)"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"d9edd72460b9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"0d41708316730","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Mental Health Lines (24/7)"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}],"text":[{"_key":"3f3cfe79ff4f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9b764084026c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you think someone may be experiencing postnatal psychosis, call your local area Mental Health Line (24/7) for advice and support."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"c90f31a69f62","_type":"freeText","background":{"title":"beige100","value":"#EDE8E4"},"text":[{"_key":"274b3b9ae510","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"e4f7f4497d880","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postnatal psychosis is a medical emergency because it can cause destructive, impulsive thoughts and behaviours that may endanger the safety and lives of parents, their babies and loved ones. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"6a24279fad6b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"bc6c6f50247a","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Seeking treatment as soon as possible is the fastest route to recovery."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"653d9094a7ab","_type":"quote","quote":"I was frightened, confused, withdrawn, pestered by illogical thoughts that randomly popped into my head including self-harm and harming my baby."},{"_key":"de12045a7b13","_type":"faqBlock","noNumbers":true,"questions":[{"_key":"632145929430","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"9aeb51b9b7b1","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"41abe925d09f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Inability to sleep, even when the opportunity to do so is present. For instance, when baby is napping or someone else is caring for bub to allow a new parent to get some rest."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b12076f0afbd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5ec75c96fc85","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Decades of research indicate that inability to sleep can be the first major warning sign of an episode of postnatal psychosis. It’s common for new parents to experience disrupted sleep, especially overnight during the first few months when babies wake often to feed."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"a48acbb0fc0d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"d627640371d3","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If someone isn’t sleeping at all for days and nights on end, encourage them to speak to their doctor and/or child health nurse as soon as possible. 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baby."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"11338c49af6b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"36ddba5e450d0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Thoughts of suicide: May have intent and a plan."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"31eaaf6e91db","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4f52606c1b7e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Your loved one may not tell anyone they’re experiencing the symptoms below unless someone gently asks. It’s best to be compassionate, curious and nonjudgmental:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b063f2d0c83d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"142971d8139e","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Hallucinations:"},{"_key":"681e8912b803","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" Hearing voices, seeing, touching or smelling things that aren’t there."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c3ba642ca019","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9f1e62ac984f0","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"Delusions"},{"_key":"51b0eef1d9e6","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" are unusual, obsessive thoughts and beliefs. Delusions may include but are not limited to:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4140a1d201dd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9d3103c80b5f0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Thinking they and/or their baby have special powers"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d54ee13c3c9f","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"4caabb02f8900","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Thinking they and/or their baby are defective, bad or ‘evil’ in some way."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ba91b18b64ad","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c35b242e6fbc0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Believing their baby isn’t theirs. This is different to bonding issues. (link)"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c34256d4088a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5b55f1bbee680","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Thinking someone is trying to harm their baby."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"fa9b946e1cff","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8cccfd4937d90","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Experiencing intense feelings of shame or guilt. May feel like punishing themselves for being a bad person or parent."}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"2b8867ee31b5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"24b96ce831a80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Changes in thoughts and perception"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}],"title":"Signs and symptoms to look out for include: "},{"_key":"843d6b3c90c7","_type":"freeText","background":{"title":"beige100","value":"#EDE8E4"},"text":[{"_key":"f667b2982e19","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9cd0ce6cfa390","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Often because they are so unwell, it’s common for someone experiencing postnatal psychosis to be resistant to seeking help – angry, afraid, or even in denial that anything is wrong."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0091b4c5054a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"83091eed6423","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Psychotic episodes may vary in their frequency, intensity and duration as well. Sometimes your loved one may seem like themselves for a while, then enter another episode of psychosis. Most often it’s up to the people that care for them and their baby to take that first brave step to seek help."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8225bb314378","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c9b5a60d2c72","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You may be feeling worried or guilty, wondering if you’re doing the right thing by seeking support from health professionals. It might help to know that we hear from new parents and their families on the PANDA Helpline every day who say that act of seeking help for suspected postnatal psychosis was life-changing, even lifesaving."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2a57d92d3459","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c16f5b8bfc97","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postnatal psychosis does not resolve by itself – professional treatment, often at an inpatient facility may be needed. 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It can be hard for a woman’s support people to take this step, but postnatal psychosis requires urgent medical attention."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"77df53790cdd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"34eadbecc1aa","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Professional help is available. You can find information on where to seek help here."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0b9ecd508bfb","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"document":{"_id":"ff6478a2-7632-4280-b009-6174efeb0f6a","_type":"article","_rev":"NcwUQOs1EFF4s2pgw5I3QJ","_createdAt":"2022-02-14T08:23:46Z","_updatedAt":"2023-12-12T01:00:11Z","categories":[{"_key":"8da744350830","_ref":"f72ec3d7-1963-43ae-afc2-d15e54eb79a9","_type":"reference"}],"content":[{"_key":"a78bdf760f03","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8a3fb70a89850","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"In many situations the decision to seek treatment for postnatal psychosis will fall to the mother’s partner or family and close support people. It can be hard for a woman’s support people to take this step, but postnatal psychosis requires urgent medical attention."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"3ab27de435bf","_type":"quote","attribution":"Kylie","quote":"I was a complete mess. My mum decided to call out the mental health team. It was the safest decision as I was potentially at risk of harming myself and/or family whilst I was in such an agitated state."},{"_key":"812451ee88ed","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ecf977e213170","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Partners or other support people may also need to organise care arrangements for the baby if they’re not admitted to hospital with their mum."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"9ba497cfaca9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b67646e68839","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you are concerned about your partner or a loved one’s safety, someone will need to stay with her until you seek help. There are lots of supports available. You can:"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"d6040bf430c3","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"488aa28655760","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Call PANDA’s National Helpline – 1300 726 306"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7c4c036f46d6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"09530ca480910","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Take her to see a GP, or arrange a telehealth appointment"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f1e49c0be3da","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"91f91775c7040","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Call the Mental Health Triage service in your area for advice"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0bccf24c967e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b2751ab6052e0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Take her to the nearest hospital emergency department"}],"level":1,"listItem":"bullet","markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"dfad9846c875","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"73d8956870b60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"When seeking help make sure to tell reception or health care staff that her behaviour is unusual and possibly unsafe, that she has a very young baby and that you think she is experiencing postnatal psychosis."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"c216e997b7a2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1d3ff0fe9a690","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you are concerned about the woman’s or the baby’s immediate safety you may need to call 000 for an ambulance or the police. "},{"_key":"cd79d459da71","_type":"span","marks":["strong"],"text":"It’s important to call 000 if she is refusing any other type of help and you have safety concerns."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"96a2a0537e4b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"08560b4941c5","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"You’ll need to tell emergency services that her behaviour is unusual and potentially dangerous, that she has a very young baby and that you think she might have postnatal psychosis."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"datePublished":"2022-02-14","header":{"_type":"pageHeader","background":{"title":"peach80","value":"#FFD29D"},"headline":"Postnatal Psychosis: Getting help ","image":{"_type":"imageWithAlt","alt":"Mum and baby at doctors clinic","asset":{"_ref":"image-7065493e6fbcb3f89f4faa028852afccc0f6d9cf-5001x5001-png","_type":"reference"}},"text":[{"_key":"05fc66f50c5b","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"cbf5ada40fdc0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postnatal psychosis is a serious condition – but professional help is available"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"modules":[{"_key":"b0ed5f3aa147","_type":"faqBlock","noNumbers":true,"questions":[{"_key":"2b484679b10b","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"21588408e8a2","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"82594a7801350","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"ACT: 1800 629 354 FREE — Mental Health Triage Service"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"60b60a1e1014","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"30cc0dd62c070","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"NSW: 1800 011 511 FREE — Mental Health Line"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"7fc57724352a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c24868808d510","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"NT: 1800 682 288 — Northern Territory Mental Health Line"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4ec44d74e0ba","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a60190599bd80","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"QLD: 1300 MH CALL (1300 642255) FREE — 24-hour specialist mental healthcare"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"efa915110664","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"48c0612ad9400","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"SA: 13 14 65 FREE — Mental Health Triage Service"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"91a1cc1d7d48","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"2a161a6b4c2a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"TAS: 1800 332 388 FREE — Mental Health Service Helpline"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ba27536fdca5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"09bb1f68cb2a0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"VIC: go here for "},{"_key":"1ad19bcf8a5c","_type":"span","marks":["2d5809c722fd"],"text":"mental health services in your area"},{"_key":"03df85aa4ca5","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":", or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24"}],"markDefs":[{"_key":"2d5809c722fd","_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"http://www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealthservices"}],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f9953896fc11","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1fbb221c59ac0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"WA: 1800 676 822 FREE — Mental Health Emergency Response Line\n(Metro – 1300 555 788 Rural 1800 552 002)"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"56849e4d6ed5","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"1ea16ee130ee","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"State mental health lines"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}],"text":[{"_key":"1e759e905910","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"b4ac516910150","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"If you need help now, call your state's mental health crisis line for immediate expert support. They will help you work out which services can best help. This could be the doctor, a hospital emergency department or a community mental health service. Sometimes, the mental health emergency response team will be sent to you, wherever you are."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}],"relatedArticles":[{"_key":"6422b6534b73","_ref":"e3e4eb2d-29b8-4375-982d-1acc2d22b0c2","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"d21fa6b74a13","_ref":"a9cc212b-56b1-4bcd-ad8c-9e7480e50d03","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"3e75b0f03206","_ref":"c1432c5d-d27c-44ef-a5a2-8a31b2fe1bfa","_type":"reference"}],"seo":{"_type":"seo","metaDescription":"Postnatal psychosis is a serious condition – but professional help is available ","socialImage":{"_type":"image","asset":{"_ref":"image-edcabb975680e1848598b04a6a7ca8809c9fe916-1200x630-png","_type":"reference"}}},"showFeedbackForm":true,"sidebarPosts":[],"sidebarTitle":"Helpful Information","slug":{"_type":"slug","current":"postnatal-psychosis-getting-help"},"title":"Postnatal Psychosis: Getting help","id":"-7139fc72-8f68-5e5d-a480-cea8cbfba113","children":[],"internal":{"type":"SanityArticle","contentDigest":"b07d7c2711801be1ac237b496d7dc9ad","owner":"gatsby-source-sanity","counter":84},"parent":null},"linkType":"internal"},"style":"box","text":"Getting help"}]},{"_key":"aa545c7dcab1","_type":"textImage","include":false,"background":{"value":"#49C5B1"},"contentOrder":"textFirst","eyebrow":null,"headline":"Treatment options","image":{"asset":{"_id":"image-5fa2c89ec442d97d78839cc2bb08ed2d947f87f6-2592x3888-jpg"},"crop":null,"hotspot":null,"alt":null,"caption":null},"text":[{"_key":"54e70c91fae9","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"8f98c40776050","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postnatal psychosis is a serious and complex mental health condition. Specialist treatment and care is essential."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"4e6e97936b0e","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"83cafe5071ae0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Health professionals, partners and key support people all have an important role to play during the recovery process."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"2d692e6ababb","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"62abd6072054","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Learn about what treatment and care might involve."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"f09864400288","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"document":{"_id":"c1432c5d-d27c-44ef-a5a2-8a31b2fe1bfa","_type":"article","_rev":"pmDyDaE31Bxk5bWAMZ1gyw","_createdAt":"2022-02-14T08:23:28Z","_updatedAt":"2022-04-29T03:26:35Z","categories":[{"_key":"c401b6a6a56a","_ref":"f72ec3d7-1963-43ae-afc2-d15e54eb79a9","_type":"reference"}],"content":[{"_key":"cb2e48d321a6","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ea60fe2da59b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postnatal psychosis is a serious and complex mental health condition. Specialist treatment and care is essential."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0db2c72f8a5a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9ffafde87dc5","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"During the very early stages of postnatal psychosis, a woman will normally be admitted to hospital where she will start treatment, including medication. The length of time a woman remains in hospital and which medication is prescribed varies depending on her personal treatment needs."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5a59b7d1e5a9","_type":"quote","quote":"I am so thankful that I got to a hospital when I did as this is such a serious condition."},{"_key":"5327ebf0a0a4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5fcd7f089ed60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"When she’s well enough to return home, significant ongoing support and care is needed to ensure she remains well and can care for her baby."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"25722d9fc1fe","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"9ce3144a2af4","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Health professionals, partners and key support people all have an important role to play during the recovery process."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"datePublished":"2022-02-14","header":{"_type":"pageHeader","headline":"Postnatal Psychosis: Care and treatment options","image":{"_type":"imageWithAlt","asset":{"_ref":"image-ba1b31055729baa15da53b8f6fcaf0d581d4c10b-2500x1696-jpg","_type":"reference"}},"text":[{"_key":"91370a602d71","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"20428e2fdea40","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Postnatal psychosis is a medical emergency. Recovery starts with early intervention and professional treatment."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},"modules":[{"_key":"26043de7783b","_type":"faqBlock","noNumbers":true,"questions":[{"_key":"efba48f6ed06","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"dcc345fb3fe4","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"358fc21445980","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Some hospitals have a special psychiatric ward where the baby can stay with the mum (a Mother and Baby Unit), but this is not always possible. Access to a mother baby unit may depend on where a woman lives as there are limited numbers of mother baby units across Australia."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"0b81ea042663","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5e55a25a9da90","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Whilst it is always a priority for a baby to be kept with its mother, in many cases a woman will need to stay, at least initially, in an adult general psychiatric ward. If this is the case, the baby will need to be cared for by her partner or another support person. The length of time she can expect to stay in hospital will depend on how quickly she responds to treatment and has the confidence and ability to return home and care for her baby."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"623b77951000","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"6bc007d778bd","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Hospital"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"ede61bd4e3db","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"229763f829d8","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"c4ab6e7e7bf90","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Treating postnatal psychosis effectively will always require some form of medication. However, the type and combination of medication that is taken will vary between individual women so a psychiatrist, preferably one specialising in perinatal mental health, will always need to be consulted."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"b3b0bc7a64d0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"545583a95b6b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"It may also take some time to figure out the right dosage(s) and combination of medications as everyone responds differently. Likewise, the length of time a woman will need to stay on medication will vary."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"737acaf2fc26","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"87972a5151990","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The different types of medications typically used in the treatment of postnatal psychosis include mood stabilisers, antidepressants and antipsychotics. For more information about these medications we recommend you speak to a psychiatrist."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"2185faf9634d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"ffd056f70458","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Medication"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"82c82abedb25","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"42037dcd9fed","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"130ce75a9c690","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Counselling can be useful if a woman feels ready to speak about how she is feeling. Many women find it beneficial having the opportunity to explore their experience of postnatal psychosis and any ongoing impact of this experience with a trained counselling professional."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"8039fd1cbc4d","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f248d1e5a52b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"In counselling, feelings and beliefs can be explored and supported. Women can also learn strategies to help manage distress during difficult times. Your GP or mental health provider can make a referral and work closely with other health professionals, such as a psychologist."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"59e42f44a42a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"06a2041a3c1b0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"The PANDA National Helpline is free and confidential and can also put you in touch with counsellors experienced in providing support to people who have experienced postnatal psychosis."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}],"question":[{"_key":"d5889d04d52a","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"138279d710eb","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Counselling"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]},{"_key":"e5345099c42e","_type":"faq","answer":[{"_key":"15deae356cde","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"7790eda0122c0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"In some cases, severe symptoms of postnatal psychosis will persist despite the use of medication. If this is the case, or if the illness is particularly severe, a psychiatrist may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"1c5bfc7db672","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"a82704c1abb0","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"This treatment is only used in a hospital setting under close monitoring. There’s lots of misinformation about ECT, so "},{"_key":"7790eda0122c1","_type":"span","marks":["strong","em"],"text":"beyond blue"},{"_key":"7790eda0122c2","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" have put together some information to help people make a decision about their own treatment, or that of a partner or loved one."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"5cfcdeb5f44d","_type":"button","link":{"_type":"link","blank":true,"linkType":"external","url":"https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression/treatments-for-depression/medical-treatments-for-depression/electroconvulsive-therapy-ect"},"style":"box","text":"Beyond Blue - ECT"}],"question":[{"_key":"5f4259b9a1dd","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"f4e7e9b4e0d8","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":" Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)"}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}],"title":"More information on care and treatment"},{"_key":"d0102e8d57a5","_type":"helpLine","field":"content"}],"relatedArticles":[{"_key":"e6a4c2e80623","_ref":"e5370cce-5d44-44ac-b0e8-ddf15f36c760","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"cb04add84023","_ref":"ea5008f7-a47e-4676-9ae0-c723bfd48898","_type":"reference"},{"_key":"caeb5e427141","_ref":"ff6478a2-7632-4280-b009-6174efeb0f6a","_type":"reference"}],"seo":{"_type":"seo","metaDescription":"Postnatal psychosis is a medical emergency. 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