Odette Megnin-Viggars1, Iona Symington2,3, Louise M Howard4, Stephen Pilling5,6. 1. National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, Royal College of Psychiatrists, 21 Prescot Street, London, E1 8BB, UK. OMegnin@rcpsych.ac.uk. 2. National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, Royal College of Psychiatrists, 21 Prescot Street, London, E1 8BB, UK. i.symington@ucl.ac.uk. 3. Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 7HB, UK. i.symington@ucl.ac.uk. 4. Section of Women's Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK. louise.howard@kcl.ac.uk. 5. National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, Royal College of Psychiatrists, 21 Prescot Street, London, E1 8BB, UK. s.pilling@ucl.ac.uk. 6. Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 7HB, UK. s.pilling@ucl.ac.uk.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Pregnancy and the first postnatal year can be a difficult and distressing period for women with mental health problems, particularly if they are not able to access appropriate and timely assessment and treatment. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise qualitative evidence on experiences of care for women with (or at risk of developing) antenatal or postnatal mental health problems across a range of disorders (including non-psychotic mental disorders). METHODS: Six electronic databases were searched for papers published from 2000 to April 2014. Thirty-nine studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Findings were synthesised using secondary framework and thematic analysis approaches. RESULTS: Seven key themes were identified across mental disorder groups: an unmet need for collaborative and integrated care; stigma and fears about loss of custody; healthcare professionals unable or unwilling to address psychological needs; focus on babies over mothers; importance of non-judgmental and compassionate support; an unmet need for information; importance of service user involvement in treatment decisions. CONCLUSIONS: Women's experience of accessing and engaging with care for mental health problems could be improved if given the opportunity to develop trusting relationships with healthcare professionals who acknowledge and reinforce the woman's role in caring for her baby in a non-judgmental and compassionate manner, and foster hope and optimism about treatment. Information for women, their families and healthcare professionals, and the provision of individualised care and treatment, are also crucial to enable full implementation of a person-centred programme of care.
PURPOSE: Pregnancy and the first postnatal year can be a difficult and distressing period for women with mental health problems, particularly if they are not able to access appropriate and timely assessment and treatment. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise qualitative evidence on experiences of care for women with (or at risk of developing) antenatal or postnatal mental health problems across a range of disorders (including non-psychotic mental disorders). METHODS: Six electronic databases were searched for papers published from 2000 to April 2014. Thirty-nine studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Findings were synthesised using secondary framework and thematic analysis approaches. RESULTS: Seven key themes were identified across mental disorder groups: an unmet need for collaborative and integrated care; stigma and fears about loss of custody; healthcare professionals unable or unwilling to address psychological needs; focus on babies over mothers; importance of non-judgmental and compassionate support; an unmet need for information; importance of service user involvement in treatment decisions. CONCLUSIONS: Women's experience of accessing and engaging with care for mental health problems could be improved if given the opportunity to develop trusting relationships with healthcare professionals who acknowledge and reinforce the woman's role in caring for her baby in a non-judgmental and compassionate manner, and foster hope and optimism about treatment. Information for women, their families and healthcare professionals, and the provision of individualised care and treatment, are also crucial to enable full implementation of a person-centred programme of care.
Authors: Melanie K Franklin; Allison Karpyn; Jennifer Christofferson; Linda G McWhorter; Abigail C Demianczyk; Cheryl L Brosig; Emily A Jackson; Stacey Lihn; Sinai C Zyblewski; Anne E Kazak; Erica Sood Journal: J Child Health Care Date: 2021-12-08 Impact factor: 1.896
Authors: Clare L Taylor; Leontien M van Ravesteyn; Mijke P Lambregtse van denBerg; Robert J Stewart; Louise M Howard Journal: Arch Womens Ment Health Date: 2016-05-13 Impact factor: 3.633