Puerperal Psychoses, A group of Diseases:

 

 Experts call this group of diseases "puerperal psychoses". Pure Pearl means six weeks after the birth of the baby and "Psychosis" means severe mental illness. Therefore, "Pure Pearl Psychosis" means a severe mental illness that occurs in a woman immediately after giving birth. This is usually a surprise because mothers are usually expected to be very happy after the baby is born.

Introduction:

Purulent psychosis occurs very rarely in one out of every five hundred mothers. If a woman has had this condition before or a member of her family has such a severe mental illness that she needs psychiatric treatment, then she is more likely to get this disease. Pure-pearl psychosis was thought to be a special mental illness, unlike other illnesses, but it is now thought to be manic-depression or schizophrenia, in which the presence of a child causes certain problems. Immediately after the birth of a child, the mother may develop three major mental illnesses:

Mania:

A mother suffering from mania is full of immense energy and confidence. Such a mother does not rest, stays up all night, and eats very little food even though she is working hard and talking. She starts neglecting her child because she feels that she has a lot to do. Such as shopping, planning for the future, rearranging your home and your life, etc. Goka is usually in a happy mood but if her unrealistic plans are not fulfilled as is often the case then she becomes very irritable. Both the mother and her baby are more likely to be affected.

Depression:

Mothers with severe depression are very different. She suffers from severe depression, depression and severe weakness, and fatigue. Depressed mothers often have feelings of guilt, self-loathing, and contempt for small things. The patient also feels that other people think the same way about her. ۔ Her diet is greatly reduced. His sleep is also very poor and early in the morning (about 3 o'clock in the morning) his eyes open and at that time his condition is very bad. His thoughts turn to suicide. It is rare for a mother to end her life and that of her child in this severe depression.

Schizophrenia:

Schizophrenia is a mental illness in which the mother's thoughts and feelings become strange. She may think that whatever is happening around her has something to do with it. She may be hearing unseen voices talking to her about her or her baby. She may believe that her child is strange, that she is a devil, or that she is a giant. He may also feel that he is being controlled by some other people who may benefit or harm him. Family members often do not understand why she is talking like this. She may ignore her child, make strange gestures to him, or she may take extraordinary care of him if she feels that people want to harm her.

Why do these diseases start?

Probably a factor as to why they're doing so poorly.

The risk of developing the disease is highest at birth, especially in the first few days after delivery. Some women develop congenital purulent psychosis, while others may develop the disease as a result of past life experiences.

Can it be treated?

This type of mental illness is severe but can be easily and effectively treated if diagnosed early. The most important thing is to find out as soon as possible. Therefore, gynecologists, general physicians, midwives, and health visitors should know that psychosis occurs and how to recognize the symptoms of this disease ie severe insomnia, isolation, or anxiety. It is very important that when a woman is expecting a baby, she should be asked if she or any other member of her family has been suffering from mental illness in the past. If such a disease is suspected, the help of a psychiatrist is needed.

What is the treatment for this?

Psychiatrists are interested in the well-being of the mother, child, and family. Hospitalization is usually required due to the severity of the disease. If the mother is not very ill, for example, she is not thinking of suicide, then in some cases, it is possible to treat at home. Purulent psychosis always requires medication or physical therapy. There should be no delay in starting treatment so that the mother-child relationship is affected at least for a short period of time. The effects of psychotherapy usually do not appear for weeks and sometimes months, while the results of medication or physical therapy appear in days or weeks.

Antidepressants and antipsychotic medications are commonly used. The only physical therapy is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which sounds dangerous but can be extremely effective in the case of severe depression and can be life-threatening. We can't use hormones in this regard because we don't know how hormone replacement works. However, in women who have had pure pearl psychosis, the hormones can help prevent it from happening again.

Breastfeeding creates a strong bond between mother and baby, so medications that can be passed on to the baby through milk should be avoided. Fortunately, antidepressants are found in very small amounts in milk and do not cause breastfeeding. ECT is not an obstacle in this regard at all. However, lithium carbonate, the most powerful antidepressant, is absorbed into the milk, so bottle-feeding is recommended if needed.

                                           

How can the family help the patient?

Severe mental illness like purulent psychosis is a big problem for a new mother. It is important to help her or her baby do chores such as breastfeeding, washing clothes, changing clothes, and taking care of the baby. The patient's husband and family members also need help so that they do not blame themselves for the patient's illness or express anger at him.

How likely is it that the disease will recur?

The risk of recurrent purulent psychosis is about 20%, and the risk of meningitis may be slightly higher. If a woman has had peripheral psychosis and is becoming a mother for the second time, she needs very careful care, especially in the first few days after childbirth. If there are any signs of recurrence, treatment should be started immediately. However, half of all women with purulent psychosis do not suffer from any mental illness again.