What is postpartum psychosis and who does it affect?

Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health emergency affecting 1-2 in 1,000 births, often striking women with no prior mental health history.

Why is there a debate about adding postpartum psychosis to the DSM?

DSM committees are divided on whether to add postpartum psychosis as a distinct diagnosis due to classification complexities and ensuring accurate definitions.

What are the consequences of delayed postpartum psychosis diagnosis?

Delayed diagnosis can lead to mis treatment, inadequate care, and severe outcomes for mothers and their infants, as seen in Emily Sliwinski's case.

Home / Health / The Fight for a Postpartum Psychosis Diagnosis

The Fight for a Postpartum Psychosis Diagnosis

20 Jan

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Summary

Postpartum psychosis affects 1-2 in 1,000 births.
Diagnosis is delayed, impacting women's mental health.
DSM committee debates adding a distinct diagnosis.

The Fight for a Postpartum Psychosis Diagnosis

Emily Sliwinski's harrowing experience with postpartum psychosis, initially misdiagnosed as schizophrenia, underscores the critical need for a distinct diagnosis in the DSM.

She spent 11 days in psychiatric treatment before specialists at UNC Chapel Hill identified her condition, which occurs in 1-2 in 1,000 births and is a psychiatric emergency.

Advocates argue DSM recognition would improve training and funding. However, committees are split due to concerns about precise classification within the DSM's structure.

This diagnostic debate carries high stakes, potentially influencing crucial medical training, research, and legal considerations for affected women.