The authors present 3 cases of childbirth-related psychosis in young
women to illustrate an interpersonal psychodynamic pattern that may
contribute to such reactions. In each instance, the woman is the submissive
partner in a symbiotic relationship with her husband and/or mother. The
baby's presence threatens the symbiotic equilibrium of these relationships
and leads to the dominant partner's overt or covert aggression against the
woman, which precipitates the psychosis. A personal or family history of
psychosis may increase the woman's vulnerability to becoming psychotic in
this situation.
Abstract Teaser