Mums seek help seven times before psychosis diagnosis

Key points

• A first Australian study of its kind found women with postpartum psychosis contacted health services an average of seven times before getting the care they needed. Flinders University researchers interviewed 15 women, many of whom said their concerns were dismissed or put down to ordinary post-birth experiences.
• Elise Howie, who was treated for the condition after her first baby, said her second episode was much worse. An estimated 300 to 600 Australian women experience the condition each year.
• Study author Donna McMahon said the condition is treatable and early detection is critical.