Postpartum
psychoses are a severe form of postnatal
mood disorders, affecting 1-2 in every 1000 deliveries. These episodes typically present as acute
mania or depression with
psychosis within the first few weeks of childbirth, which, as life-threatening psychiatric emergencies, can have a significant adverse impact on the mother, baby and wider family. The nosological status of postpartum
psychosis remains contentious; however, evidence indicates most episodes to be manifestations of
bipolar disorder and a vulnerability to a puerperal trigger. While childbirth appears to be a potent trigger of severe
mood disorders, the precise mechanisms by which postpartum
psychosis occurs are poorly understood. This review examines the current evidence with respect to potential aetiology and childbirth-related triggers of postpartum
psychosis. Findings to date have implicated neurobiological factors, such as
hormones, immunological
dysregulation, circadian rhythm disruption and genetics, to be important in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Prediction models, informed by prospective cohort studies of high-risk women, are required to identify those at greatest risk of postpartum
psychosis.