Should Postpartum Psychosis Be Included in the DSM? - Psychiatric Times

A distinct presentation, a growing evidence base, and specialized clinical expertise support formally recognizing postpartum psychosis in the next DSM update. Mena Mirhom, MD, FAPA, a board-certified psychiatrist and Psychiatric Times section editor, argued that postpartum psychosis should be considered for inclusion in the next iteration or update of the DSM. He said the Lindsay Clancy case and the national conversation around it raise the question for good reason. The DSM-5-TR does not list postpartum psychosis as its own diagnosis. Clinicians instead apply a peripartum-onset specifier to mood disorders, or a postpartum-onset specifier to brief psychotic disorder. Both cover onset during pregnancy or within 4 weeks after delivery.1 Mirhom said the current evidence supports a more specific approach. The Case for InclusionMirhom cited 3 lines of evidence. The first is the nature of the condition itself, which presents in a nuanced and distinct way. The second is the growing research literature on postpartum psychosis.