Perinatal/Postpartum Psychosis Help
Postpartum Psychosis (PP), also known as Perinatal Psychosis, is a serious perinatal mental health disorder that usually has an onset in the first 2 weeks (but up to a year). Postpartum Psychosis occurs in approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries.
Perinatal/Postpartum Psychosis Help
Source: Postpartum Support International (PSI)
URL: https://postpartum.net/get-help/postpartum-psychosis-help/
Date: 2026
Overview
Postpartum Psychosis (PP), also known as Perinatal Psychosis, is a serious perinatal mental health disorder that usually has an onset in the first 2 weeks (but up to a year). Postpartum Psychosis occurs in approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries.
Postpartum Psychosis is temporary and treatable with professional help, but it is an emergency, and it is essential that the perinatal individual receive immediate help. It is important to stay with the perinatal individual and the child to ensure everyone's safety.
If you feel you or someone you know may be suffering from this illness, know that no one is at fault or to blame, and a diagnosis is not needed to reach out for help.
In an Emergency / If You Suspect Postpartum Psychosis
Symptoms
Symptoms of Postpartum Psychosis can include:
Risk Factors
The most significant risk factor for Postpartum Psychosis is a personal or family history of bipolar disorder or a previous psychotic episode. It may also include prolonged lack of sleep (for instance, going days without any sleep).
Prevalence Rates
Postpartum Psychosis is a serious perinatal mental health disorder and medical emergency that occurs in about 1 to 2 of every 1,000 perinatal individuals.
Treatment Options
The majority of individuals who experience Postpartum Psychosis do not harm themselves or anyone else. However, there is always the risk of danger because psychosis includes delusional thinking and irrational judgment. It is important to stay with the perinatal individual and the child to ensure everyone's safety.
After inpatient psychiatric treatment:
After emergency treatment, those individuals who have experienced Postpartum Psychosis should be followed by a doctor and therapist to continue treatment, including medication and ongoing therapy. PSI hosts peer support groups for Postpartum Psychosis survivors and those affected.
PSI Programs & Services
HelpLine
1-800-944-4773 (4PPD) #1 En Español or #2 English
Text in English: 800-944-4773
Text en Español: 971-203-7773
Support Groups
PSI has over 50 specialized support groups to meet your needs. Including specific Postpartum (Perinatal) Psychosis Support Groups.
Lived Experience Specialists
PSI has a small team of Postpartum Psychosis survivors who are available to provide additional assistance to individuals and their families who are not in an emergency situation, but seeking support and information related to Postpartum Psychosis.