Psychoza poporodowa i depresja poporodowa – trudny start w rodzicielskiej roli
Postpartum psychosis and postpartum depression – a difficult start in the parenting role

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this review article is to provide a detailed characterization of the relationship between both postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, and the functioning of mothers, fathers, and children. A lack of knowledge and awareness regarding these disorders hinders the family’s adaptation to the new situation posed by a mental health disorder. The first part of the article is devoted to postpartum depression. It begins with a clinical description of this disorder, followed by an exploration of the mother’s perspective. This section presents the emotions experienced by mothers and their sense of loss. Research findings on the relationship between postpartum depression, mother-child bonding, and breastfeeding are discussed. Particular attention is given to the potential risks to the life of the child and the mother. Subsequently, postpartum depression is examined from the father’s perspective. Based on a literature review, the experiences of men whose partners have been diagnosed with this disorder are characterized. Qualitative research findings on fathers’ emotions and needs are presented, as well as the inconsistent results regarding the formation of father-child bonds. Characteristics of men with postpartum depression are then provided, with a focus on difficulties they may encounter in bonding with the child. This section concludes by examining the relationship between postpartum depression and child development across various domains: physical, emotional-social, verbal, motor, cognitive, and behavioral functions. The second part of the article addresses postpartum psychosis. Initially, the disorder is described from a clinical perspective. A literature review is then conducted on postpartum psychosis from the mother’s perspective, focusing on the emotional responses of affected women and providing examples of delusions they may experience. The impact of postpartum psychosis on mother-child bonding is discussed, with particular attention to potential risks to the health and safety of the mother and child, as well as the dilemma concerning the mother’s capability to care for the child. The article also examines postpartum psychosis from the father’s perspective. Based on qualitative research, the narratives of men whose partners have experienced this disorder are analyzed, highlighting their emotions, the assumption of multiple roles, and recognition of positive aspects of the situation. Isolated cases of postpartum psychosis diagnosed in men are also presented. In considerations of postpartum psychosis, attention has also been drawn to its relationship with child development; however, this issue has not been a frequent subject of research. Finally, a synthesis of the presented research findings was conducted.

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