Mothers seek help seven times before psychosis diagnosis
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 20:32 · Archive
Australian mothers with postnatal psychosis contact health services an average of seven times before receiving diagnosis.
An Australian-first study has found mothers with postnatal psychosis contact health services an average of seven times before receiving a diagnosis and appropriate care. An estimated 300 to 600 Australian women experience the condition each year, with symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, mania, depression, paranoia and severe sleep disturbance.
One mother, Elise Howie, believed her breast milk was black and poisoning her baby after the birth of her first child. She spoke to her husband and midwife before being taken to a local hospital and transferred to Adelaide's mother-baby inpatient psychiatric unit. She was treated with electro-convulsive therapy, which she said induced a seizure and reset her brain but caused memory loss.
When planning a second pregnancy, Ms Howie was told there was a '50-50' chance of psychosis recurring. She experienced another episode after her daughter's birth five or six days later, eventually spending six months in hospital undergoing further treatment. She said cognitive side effects worsened significantly and she could not remember her date of birth, address or that she had children. She was later given mood-stabilising medication lithium, which dramatically improved her symptoms and allowed her to share her story to help others recognise the condition.
How it is being reported
- Mums seek help seven times before psychosis diagnosisAn Australian-first study has found mothers with postnatal psychosis contacted health services an average of seven times before getting the care they needed.The West Australian · 21 Oct, 20:02
- Mums seek help seven times before psychosis diagnosisAn Australian-first study has found mothers with postnatal psychosis contacted health services an average of seven times before getting the care they needed.Perth Now · 21 Oct, 20:02
In this story: Elise Howie · Adelaide · Australia
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