Citation

Chen H. Singapore Med. J. 2012; 53(5): e104-5.

Affiliation

Department of Psychological Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Level 6, Women's Tower, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229899. helen.chen.y@kkh.com.sg.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Singapore Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

22584985

Abstract

Maternal mental illness is a significant public health concern, with established adverse outcomes on both mother and infant, such as impaired mother-infant bonding and infant cognitive and emotional development. In severe cases, maternal mortality and infanticide can tragically occur. This is a report on the suicide of a mother who jumped to her death at three months postpartum. She suffered from puerperal psychosis with bipolar features, with onset at six weeks postpartum. The case highlights the burden of maternal mental illness in our community as well as the need for resources and services to care well for mothers. With a better understanding of its presentation and risk factors, early identification and intervention can reduce morbidity and mortality.

Language: en