Mother's terrifying psychosis: Lost recognition of her son

Adaure Dankwa experienced a sudden and severe psychotic episode two months after the birth of her son, Junior, in 2021. During this period, she did not recognize her baby, stating 'That's not my baby.' She was subsequently sectioned under the Mental Health Act and stayed in a mental health facility for four weeks, a time she describes as a blur of hallucinations and self-harming behaviors. Her first psychotic episode passed as suddenly as it began, leading to a further six weeks of observation before her release.

Seeking to expand her family, Adaure gave birth to her daughter, Amara, in October 2024. However, within six weeks, paranoia resurfaced, and she was moved to a mother and baby unit. Her condition worsened, leading to her second sectioning in mid-December 2024. After another four-week psychotic episode, she was released in mid-January 2025 and finally felt back to herself by February 2026. Adaure has stated she will not have more children.