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Updated: May 22, 2026
06:39
Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
A father with postpartum psychosis.
1Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA. lokesh83@hotmail.com
BMJ Case Reports
|May 19, 2012
Summary
Postpartum psychosis, a severe mood disorder, can affect fathers. This case study highlights a male patient experiencing acute mania with psychotic symptoms after his child's birth, successfully treated with medication.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Perinatal Mental Health
- Psychotic Disorders
Background:
- Postpartum psychosis is a severe mood disorder occurring in the perinatal period.
- It is most commonly linked to postpartum bipolar disorder.
- While typically associated with mothers, paternal postpartum psychosis is a recognized, albeit rare, condition.
Observation:
- A case report details a male patient admitted to a psychiatric unit five days after his wife gave birth.
- The patient exhibited significant concern for his child's well-being, fearing harm.
- He presented with an acute manic episode featuring psychotic symptoms.
Findings:
- The patient received a diagnosis of acute manic episode with psychotic symptoms.
- Treatment involved olanzapine and lithium.
- The patient remained symptom-free on a therapeutic lithium dose three months post-episode.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering paternal mental health in the postpartum period.
- Psychological stress may precipitate severe mood and psychotic disorders in fathers.
- Early diagnosis and pharmacotherapy, including mood stabilizers like lithium, are crucial for managing paternal postpartum psychosis.
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