Issues relating to puerperal psychosis and its management

Perinatal mental health appears to be gaining increased attention in policy documents and the literature in general, as current frameworks and strategies call for a more robust and sensitive approach to women's mental health services. There are also calls for those involved in the treatment and care of women with perinatal issues to have specific training. While attention frequently focuses on the more common disorder of postnatal depression, other perinatal issues are equally important. This article discusses the features of puerperal psychosis and critically examines approaches to managing this complex disorder.