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Vanderkruik R, Kobylski LA, Dunk MM, Arakelian MH, Gaw ML, Dineen H, Kanamori M, Freeman MP, Cohen LS. The lived experiences of individuals with postpartum psychosis: A qualitative analysis. J Affect Disord 2024; 348:367-377. [PMID: 38160890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Postpartum psychosis (PP) is a severe psychiatric illness that occurs in about 1 to 2 per 1000 people in the perinatal period. To date, qualitative research investigating PP has focused on specific topics, such as treatment experiences or the impact of the illness on patients' lives and families. These studies have included small samples of women with histories of PP, often limited to certain geographical areas or treatment centers. Given the heterogeneity in presentations of PP and access to care, larger and geographically diverse samples are needed to broadly understand this complex illness. Initiated in 2018, the Massachusetts General Hospital Postpartum Psychosis Project (MGHP3) consists of a large, international sample of those who have experienced PP. In addition to the specific aims of MGHP3, which include to better understand the phenomenology and potential genetic underpinnings of PP, this investigation invites participants to qualitatively describe their narratives of postpartum psychosis. This analysis included 130 participants who reported on 133 episodes of PP. Participants' responses to the PP narrative prompt fell under several overarching categories: 1) broad psychosocial experiences surrounding postpartum psychosis, 2) impact on the mother-baby dyad, 3) treatment experiences, and 4) recovery experiences. Our findings shed light on a range of ways in which individuals' lives are impacted by this illness, and point to areas for future research and clinical directions to improve the support and care for individuals with PP and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Vanderkruik
- Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women's Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America.
| | - Lauren A Kobylski
- Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women's Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Madison M Dunk
- Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women's Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Miranda H Arakelian
- Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women's Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Margaret L Gaw
- Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women's Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Hannah Dineen
- Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women's Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Margaux Kanamori
- Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women's Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Marlene P Freeman
- Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women's Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Lee S Cohen
- Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women's Mental Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that can affect the health and life of mothers, infants, and families. Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is distinct from non-postpartum psychosis in many ways, and it is crucial to study and understand PPP to identify, treat, and possibly prevent this condition. We therefore sought to review the latest research findings about PPP with the intention of updating readers about the latest evidence base. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple physiologic pathways have been implicated in the development of PPP, and further understanding these pathways may allow for early detection and treatment. Risk assessment and treatment should include consideration of the woman patient but also the mother-infant dyad and the larger family. It is our hope that this review of research updates in postpartum psychosis may inform clinical practice and promote specialized, evidence-based diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Reed
- grid.67105.350000 0001 2164 3847Case Western Reserve University, 10254 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
| | - Nina E. Ross
- grid.67105.350000 0001 2164 3847Case Western Reserve University, 10254 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
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Forde R, Peters S, Wittkowski A. Recovery from postpartum psychosis: a systematic review and metasynthesis of women's and families' experiences. Arch Womens Ment Health 2020; 23:597-612. [PMID: 32020314 PMCID: PMC7497301 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-020-01025-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Postpartum psychosis is a serious disorder that can result in adverse consequences for the mother and baby. It is important that we understand the experiences of women, to develop effective interventions during this critical period. The aim of this systematic review was to conduct a metasynthesis of qualitative research exploring women's experiences of postpartum psychosis and factors involved in recovery from the perspective of women and family members. A comprehensive literature search of five databases was conducted and the findings were appraised and synthesised, following a thematic synthesis approach. Fifteen studies, capturing the views of 103 women and 42 family members, met the inclusion criteria. Four main themes incorporating 13 subthemes were identified following synthesis: (1) Experiencing the unspeakable, (2) Loss and disruption, (3) Realigning old self and new self and the integrative theme of (4) Social context. The findings offer new insight into the unique experience of postpartum psychosis and demonstrate that recovery does not follow a linear path. To improve clinical outcomes, a more integrative and individualised approach is needed which incorporates long-term psychological and psychosocial support, and considers the needs of the family. Further areas for staff training, service development and future research are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Forde
- Divison of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, 2nd Floor Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - S Peters
- Divison of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, 2nd Floor Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - A Wittkowski
- Divison of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, 2nd Floor Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
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Johnson S, Adam S, McIntosh M. The Lived Experience of Postpartum Depression: A Review of the Literature. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2020; 41:584-591. [PMID: 32267789 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2019.1688437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum depression has been studied from a variety of perspectives and by many disciplines. The aim of this article is to review qualitative literature exploring the first-person accounts of women diagnosed with postpartum depression and highlight the absence of work in madness discourse. Searches of multiple databases (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Sociological Abstracts, Sociology Database, Web of Science, Genderwatch, PILOTS, MedLine from PubMed, PsycINFO) were undertaken. There is a significant gap in literature that exists in relation to the lived experience of women diagnosed with postpartum depression who do not identify as mentally ill.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Adam
- School of Nursing, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michele McIntosh
- Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
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