Psychotic reactions associated with childbirth

The literature on postpartum psychoses is reviewed. Clinical similarities and differences between patients with postpartum psychoses and those with nonpuerperal psychoses are described. The psychological and physiological precipitants of postpartum psychoses are discussed and a stress summation theory is proposed to explain the etiology of these reactions. Treatment considerations and factors pointing to favorable short-term and long-term prognoses are reviewed.