Ten days after delivery a woman is confused, elated and hearing voices telling her the baby is special. What is the most appropriate setting for her care?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Urgent psychiatric assessment, usually in a mother and baby unit
- Step 1: Rapid onset in the first two weeks after birth with psychotic features indicates postpartum psychosis. Step 2. It is a psychiatric emergency with risk to mother and infant, and admission to a specialist mother and baby unit allows treatment while keeping them together. Answer: Urgent psychiatric assessment, usually in a mother and baby unit. Why not the others: Reassurance and routine follow-up underestimate the risk. Antidepressants alone do not treat psychosis. Leaflets do not provide safe care.
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