Abstract
Postpartum Psychosis (PP) is a severe and debilitating psychiatric illness with acute onset in the days following childbirth.
Recovering from an episode can be a long and difficult process. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the
difficulties faced by recovering women and to inform the planning of post-discharge information and support services. A study
was designed collaboratively by service user and academic researchers. Women with experience of PP were trained in qualitative
research methodology. Service user researchers (SURs) led in-depth interviews into women’s experiences of recovery. PP is
a life-changing experience that challenges women’s sense of personal and social identity. Recovery themes are organised around
ruminating and rationalising, rebuilding social confidence, gaining appropriate health service support, the facilitation of
family functioning, obtaining appropriate information, and understanding that recovery will take time. Women suffering from
PP must be adequately supported following discharge from psychiatric hospital if we are to address maternal suicide rates.
We describe a successful collaboration between academics and service users exploring the needs of women and their families.
Recovering from an episode can be a long and difficult process. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the
difficulties faced by recovering women and to inform the planning of post-discharge information and support services. A study
was designed collaboratively by service user and academic researchers. Women with experience of PP were trained in qualitative
research methodology. Service user researchers (SURs) led in-depth interviews into women’s experiences of recovery. PP is
a life-changing experience that challenges women’s sense of personal and social identity. Recovery themes are organised around
ruminating and rationalising, rebuilding social confidence, gaining appropriate health service support, the facilitation of
family functioning, obtaining appropriate information, and understanding that recovery will take time. Women suffering from
PP must be adequately supported following discharge from psychiatric hospital if we are to address maternal suicide rates.
We describe a successful collaboration between academics and service users exploring the needs of women and their families.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s00737-012-0267-1
- Authors
- Jessica Heron, Perinatal Research Programme, Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, The Barberry, 25 Vincent Drive, Birmingham, B15 2FG UK
- Naomi Gilbert, Action on Postpartum Psychosis, www.app-network.org
- Clare Dolman, Action on Postpartum Psychosis, www.app-network.org
- Sonal Shah, Department of Primary Care & General Practice, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Ines Beare, Action on Postpartum Psychosis, www.app-network.org
- Sarah Dearden, Action on Postpartum Psychosis, www.app-network.org
- Nicola Muckelroy, Action on Postpartum Psychosis, www.app-network.org
- Ian Jones, Action on Postpartum Psychosis, www.app-network.org
- Jonathan Ives, Department of Primary Care & General Practice, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Journal Archives of Women’s Mental Health
- Online ISSN 1435-1102
- Print ISSN 1434-1816