Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental stress disorder triggered within a few months after childbirth. A mother suffering from postpartum psychosis may experience hallucinations, irrational thoughts, sleep deprivation or eating disorders. She may even consider killing herself or her newborn child. It is important for family members and friends to recognize postpartum psychosis as an entirely different condition than the more common postpartum depression or so-called baby blues. Both conditions may require some form of treatment, but postpartum psychosis can lead to a tragic outcome if not detected and treated quickly.

Postpartum psychosis has been recognized as a mental health disorder since the 1850s, although the most effective anti-psychotic drug treatments have only been available since the 1960s or so. Postpartum psychosis is very rare, occurring only once or twice per every 1,000 births. It is considered one of the most dangerous forms of postpartum stress disorders, however, so many physicians encourage family members to take active steps toward destressing a new mother's environment. Postpartum psychosis is more likely to occur in mothers who receive little social support, face economic difficulties or suffer from a poor self-image.

Women who have a history of psychotic illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, are said to be more likely to develop postpartum psychosis. Even if these psychotic illnesses only run in the family, they can increase a woman's susceptibility to postpartum psychosis or depression. Some medical experts suggest that some postpartum psychosis is triggered by an overabundance of birth-related hormones, which overwhelm the body's natural coping mechanisms and cause the mental symptoms. Others say that a mother can appear perfectly normal for weeks, then experience a sudden onset of psychological problems.

Postpartum psychosis can be treated through a combination of anti-psychotic drug therapies and intensive counseling sessions. As with other mental health conditions, many people are reluctant to acknowledge the possibility of a problem, so a number of mothers refuse to seek treatment voluntarily. Treatment for postpartum psychosis is most effective when started early. Any delays can add months to the mother's recovery time. Approximately 5% of mothers suffering from postpartum psychosis attempt suicide, while another 4% consider killing their newborn babies. Family members should encourage mothers to confide in a medical professional if they suspect a serious emotional condition.