Data from the literature indicate the existence of a close relationship between some postpartum mood disorders and bipolar disorder. Women with a diagnosed bipolar disorder are at very high risk for affective psychosis in the weeks following delivery. We describe a case of a 28 year old woman, who developed the first symptoms of the disorder a few days after the delivery. Her first episode was successfully controlled with pharmacological treatment; however, she subsequently had relapses requiring hospitalisation. This case emphasises the importance of early psychiatric intervention, effective pharmacological treatment and co-operation with the family to control and treat the disorder successfully from the onset and through following recurring episodes.
Keywords: postpartum mood disorders, bipolar disorder, risk factors, treatment