Post-Partum Psychosis Risk in First-Time Mothers
Author Information
Author(s): Unnur Valdimarsdóttir, CM Hultman, B Harlow, S Cnattingius, P Sparén
Hypothesis
What are the independent risk factors for post-partum psychosis in first-time mothers?
Conclusion
The study found that first-time mothers without previous psychiatric hospitalizations have a significantly increased risk of psychosis in the early post-partum period.
Supporting Evidence
- 892 women were hospitalized due to psychoses in the first 90 days post-partum.
- Incidence rates for psychosis peaked in the first month after birth.
- Higher maternal age was associated with increased risk of psychosis.
- Higher infant birth weight and maternal diabetes appeared protective.
Takeaway
This study shows that new moms who have never been in a mental hospital are more likely to get really sick after having a baby, especially in the first month.
Methodology
The researchers used a national case register of hospital discharges over a 17-year period in Sweden to analyze the incidence of psychotic illness.
Limitations
The study lacks data on women with post-partum psychosis who are not hospitalized, and it is observational, which limits definitive conclusions.
Participant Demographics
First-time mothers in Sweden.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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