postpartum period. Distinguishing hypomani a from the elated mood and reduced sleep
that normally accompany the birth of a chil d may be challenging. Postpartum hypomania
may foreshadow the onset of a depression that occurs in abou t half of females who expe-
rience postpartum “highs.” Accurate detectio n of bipolar II disorder may help in estab-
lishing appropriate treatment of the depression , which may reduce the risk of suicide and
infanticide.