Postpartum psychosis affects thousands of new mothers and demands early care

Dr. Sarah Oreck, a reproductive psychiatrist and founder of Mavida Health, discusses the prevalence and characteristics of postpartum psychosis. She estimates that about 4,000 U.S. mothers are affected each year, a figure that challenges the perception of rarity. Although extreme violence such as child homicide occurs in only 1% to 4% of cases, the potential severity makes early detection crucial.

Patients often look and act normally, and many are rejected when they seek help—approximately three-quarters of those she has treated reported being turned away. Biases in the medical system can further impede care. Oreck recommends inpatient hospitalization, ongoing therapy, and a year of antipsychotic medication as the most effective treatment pathway, noting that most women recover and resume their lives.