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Postpartum psychosis — DRCOG MCQ

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EasyPostnatalPostpartum psychosisDRCOG

A 34-year-old woman is brought by her partner 6 days after delivery because she has not slept for 3 nights and says the baby is possessed. She is agitated and reports hearing voices. There is no fever or abdominal pain. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: B — Postpartum psychosis

Delusions, hallucinations, agitation and severe insomnia in the first postnatal week are most consistent with postpartum psychosis. Postnatal blues can cause tearfulness but should not cause psychotic symptoms. The pearl is that postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency requiring same-day specialist assessment.

Reference: NICE CG192; NICE NG194