Many new moms have intrusive thoughts. That's not the same as postpartum psychosis.

Dr. Sarah Oreck, a reproductive psychiatrist, notes that postpartum psychosis affects about 4,000 women in the US annually, making it far from rare. She clarifies that people with this condition do not always look or act like common depictions of psychosis and that symptoms can wax and wane. The article emphasizes early intervention is crucial because, while violence is exceedingly rare even during episodes, the condition can be disastrous when untreated.