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Postpartum psychosis
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Research into postpartum psychosis

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Current research into postpartum psychosis focuses on improving our understanding of why it occurs, how to detect it early and how to prevent relapse. One of the main challenges is distinguishing postpartum psychosis from other forms of psychosis that are not specifically related to the postnatal period, as well as understanding how the condition begins and develops over time.

Despite advances in this field, studies often involve small numbers of participants, making it difficult to establish a clear international consensus on how postpartum psychosis should be managed. This has led to new areas of research aimed at improving clinical practice.

Current areas of research

  • Developing evidence-based treatment algorithms.
  • Strategies for hospital admission and management during the acute phase.
  • Follow-up protocols and strategies for preventing relapse.
  • Early identification of women at high risk before childbirth.
  • Implementing intensive monitoring programmes during the postnatal period.
  • Developing structured preventive interventions.

Featured research project: MGH Postpartum Psychosis Project

One important example is the MGH Postpartum Psychosis Project, led by Massachusetts General Hospital. This project has established a large cohort of women who have experienced postpartum psychosis to improve our understanding of the condition.

Its main aims are to:

  • Characterise the clinical features of postpartum psychosis, including its symptoms, onset, duration and course.
  • Identify associated clinical and genetic factors.
  • Establish a large and diverse cohort of participants.
  • Improve the detection and treatment of postpartum psychosis in areas where clinical guidances remain limited.

The findings suggest that, despite clinical variation, postpartum psychosis has several common features and may have a distinct biological profile. A strong association with bipolar disorder has also been observed, with the two conditions sharing genetic vulnerability factors.

This research is helping to improve diagnosis, optimise treatment and strengthen relapse prevention, with the aim of delivering more timely, personalised and safe care.

Read more Frequently Asked Questions
PortalClinic home
Joint project with BBVA Foundation website.This link opens in a new tab.

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Published: 21 September 2026
Updated: 21 September 2026

The donations that can be done through this webpage are exclusively for the benefit of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona through Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica and not for BBVA Foundation, entity that collaborates with the project of PortalClínic.

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