What are the causes of Postpartum Psychosis?

Some women suffer from Postpartum Psychosis, who have no history of the condition. However, there are some very well-known risk factors.

• The mother or any member of her family has a history of bipolar disorder
• Some mothers who have suffered from Postpartum Psychosis with previous pregnancies
• If the mother or a family member has a history of Schizophrenia
• A first pregnancy, there is always a possibility for this condition to surface
• Has the mother been treated for any psychiatric condition before her pregnancy? If she stops the medication because she fell pregnant, this could be a major cause for symptoms of Postpartum Psychosis.
• Complications with delivery, length of the pregnancy as well as in some cases a caesarean section.

Doctors and researches seem to be at a loss to pinpoint the exact causes of Postpartum Psychosis. Mothers experience unstable and inconsistent hormone levels after the birth of a child. During this period many women are more sensitive to changes in their mental health than others. These can include hormone changes of progesterone, oestrogen and thyroid hormones. Other causes that may contribute can include environmental and cultural changes as well as biologic factors. Because a new mother is deprived of normal sleep, this can also cause problems.