Postpartum Delirium: A Psychosis Born in the 18th Century

Introduction Pregnancy and childbirth are moments of great vulnerability in a woman’s life, which can predispose her to the development psychopathology, ranging from transient depressive symptoms (“baby blues”) psychotic symptoms. Postpartum delirium is psychiatric syndrome that some authors refer as puerperal psychosis par excellence. It was first described 18th century were thought be associated with painful delivery, then became rare after introduction effective analgesia. Objectives The objective this work contribute better understanding condition, through literature review. Methods Bibliographic research using Pubmed® keywords: postpartum delirium. Results Clinical presentation includes: constantly varying degrees consciousness; perplexity; hallucinations or pseudo-hallucinations one more organs sense; delusions delusive-type thoughts; motoric unrest considerable verbal abandon; acute aggressive discharges also occur. due organic complications, such infectious disease, abnormal loss blood, thrombosis, neurological obstetric vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes. An article 1975 mentions how difficult treat despite psychopharmaceutical therapy. patients remained for long periods had many relapses. They mention comparative study found symptomatic treatment combination perfenazine lithium carbonate produced relatively favorable results. For reason, at time, it medication choice. Nowadays psychopharmacological psychosis, general, still consists an antipsychotic, haloperidol, possibly benzodiazepine, lorazepam. Conclusions rarely mentioned just few cases have been described. considered condition but would perhaps less if its existence recognized. On note, important clinical practice on psychoses pregnancy not most common. Disclosure Interest None Declared