PUERPERAL PSYCHOSIS

Psychotic reactions occurring in the period following childbirth, which is technically known as the puerperium. This period extends from the termination of labor to the return of the uterus to its normal condition.The majority of these reactions are schizophrenic and depressive, but occasionally there are delirious episodes precipitated by infection, hemorrhage, exhaustion, or toxemia (blood poisoning). These episodes are most likely to occur in poorly adjusted women. Manic reactions are also found, but infrequently. The term puerperal psychosis has been replaced by postpartum psychosis