Postpartum Psychosis has been in the news a lot in recent weeks, and I wanted to take a few minutes to acknowledge how triggering those articles and stories can be. Mental health disorders can be complex and confusing, and it is not uncommon for people to confuse different conditions, and wonder if they have what they’re reading about. In the wake of these articles, I’ve talked to several new moms who hear that a mom has harmed her baby, and worry that her own experience of intrusive thoughts might take her down that path. In this post, I want to clarify that postpartum intrusive thoughts and postpartum psychosis are different. Both are associated with pregnancy and childbirth, but they are quite different in terms of their symptoms, causes, and treatment.
What Are Intrusive Thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted and disturbing thoughts that can cause anxiety and distress. They are common in the general population and are not necessarily a sign of mental illness. In fact, the majority of people experience intrusive thoughts at some point in their lives. However, in some cases, these thoughts can become persistent and overwhelming, leading to clinical anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Intrusive thoughts are common in new mothers, especially in the first few weeks after giving birth. These thoughts can range from worrying about the baby’s safety to fears of harming the baby or oneself. It is important to note that having these thoughts does not mean that a mother will act on them, and they are not a sign of being a bad parent. However, it’s also important to note that these thoughts can be very concerning to a new mom, and may cause her to modify her behavior and cause her distress. They often don’t go away on their own, and evolve as the baby grows. Seeking help from a healthcare provider, therapist, or support group can help new mothers manage these thoughts and reduce their anxiety.
The most common intrusive thoughts that I hear about in my practice are more socially acceptable, such as the baby getting sick, the mom dropping the baby on accident, or the baby being somehow negatively affected by a choice made by parents come up with the majority of clients.
The less socially acceptable, but just as common to hear about are the thoughts of mom causing harm to the baby. These often include; getting into a car accident on purpose, dropping the baby down the stairs, harming a baby with a knife, or touching the baby inappropriately. If you’re having these thoughts, it’s important that you seek out care from a therapist who has been trained in perinatal mental health. If you don’t know how to find a therapist, use the zip code finder at postpartum.net to find a licensed provider near you.
Often times, moms avoid telling anyone because they are ashamed of the thoughts, or are worried that someone will take their baby away. I will tell you, if a mom expresses concern about their thoughts and they are alarming to her, we usually aren’t worried that they will act on the thoughts. A therapist can help get you tools to self-soothe in the moment, and minimize the frequency of the thoughts. If you’re a mom in California looking for a therapist, feel free to reach out to me here.
What Is Postpartum Psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis, on the other hand, is a severe mental health disorder that affects a small percentage of new mothers. It is a rare but serious condition that can develop rapidly within the first few weeks after childbirth. Symptoms of postpartum psychosis include confusion, delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. Women with postpartum psychosis may have thoughts of harming themselves or their baby and may require urgent medical attention. Women experiencing postpartum psychosis aren’t concerned by the thoughts, and often times believe they are destined to act on them.
Postpartum psychosis is caused by hormonal changes, stress, and a history of mental illness. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in a hospital setting. Treatment may include medications to stabilize mood, therapy, and support from a mental health team. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to ensure the safety of the mother and the baby.
Here’s the helpful differentiator I use when explaining postpartum psychosis to clients: a mom with postpartum psychosis isn’t worried about her thoughts, most of the time. A mom with intrusive thoughts is deeply concerned about the thoughts, as they are disturbing to her. The term within mental health is “ego-dystonic” this means that moms with intrusive thoughts know that the thoughts they are having are not consistent with their values and who they want to be; this mom’s intrusive thoughts scare her. Research suggests that a mom who is scared of her thoughts is extremely unlikely to act on them.
In summary, while intrusive thoughts and postpartum psychosis are both associated with pregnancy and childbirth, they are quite different in terms of their symptoms, causes, and treatment. Intrusive thoughts are common and not necessarily a sign of mental illness, while postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is important to seek help from a healthcare provider if you are experiencing intrusive thoughts or if you are concerned about your mental health after giving birth. With the right support and treatment, both conditions can be managed effectively.
