Psychosis in Pregnancy

Childbirth is a psychological milestone. Mature parents grow emotionally during the process by adaptive mechanism.

A psychotic or potentially psychotic individual lacks the resilient psyche needed to handle either pregnancy or the subsequent presence of a child. Hormonal changes probably play a role which cannot at presently be defined.

Therapeutic abortion may be warranted particularly in serious recurrent psychosis. Hospitalization, temporarily separation of the mother from the infant (if the patient has delivered), electro shock and psychotherapy are essential.

The prognosis for the mothers cannot be generalized but must be determined on an individual patient basis. Although, hereditary tendencies have been suggested, there is no convinced evidence that the infant is affected by maternal psychosis.