Understanding maternal mental illness: psychiatric autopsy of a maternal death

Chen H
Correspondence: Dr Helen Chen, helen.chen.y@kkh.com.sg

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.

Keywords: maternal suicide, postpatum death, puerperal psychosis
Singapore Med J 2012; 53(5): e104–e105