Non-reproductive triggers of postpartum psychosis

Arch Womens Ment Health. 2017 Feb;20(1):55-59. doi: 10.1007/s00737-016-0674-9. Epub 2016 Oct 8.

Abstract

Bipolar disorders, and other psychoses, are known to be triggered by a number of agents apart from the reproductive process. In some women, pregnant or recently delivered, psychosis may be due to these alternative triggers. There are substantial numbers of mothers suffering from childbearing psychoses, who have been prescribed bromocriptine or steroids, have had surgical operations or developed thyrotoxicosis. It is best to eliminate these episodes and cases from study samples of puerperal psychosis.

Keywords: Bromocriptine; Corticosteroid therapy; Post-operative psychosis; Thyrotoxicosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bromocriptine
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / chemically induced*
  • Postoperative Complications / psychology
  • Pregnancy
  • Psychoses, Substance-Induced / etiology*
  • Psychoses, Substance-Induced / psychology
  • Psychotic Disorders / etiology*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Puerperal Disorders / etiology
  • Puerperal Disorders / psychology
  • Thyroid Hormones / blood
  • Thyrotoxicosis / complications
  • Thyrotoxicosis / psychology*

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Bromocriptine