Psychosocial characteristics and needs of mothers with psychotic disorders

Abstract

Background: It is not known whether mothers with psychotic disorders are clinically and socially distinct from women with psychoses who have not had children.

Aims: To determine the proportion of mothers in an epidemiologically representative population of women with psychotic disorders, to examine the factors associated with having children, and to examine the factors associated with having children 'looked after' by social services.

Method: Descriptive analysis and two case-control studies.

Results: Sixty-three per cent of women with psychotic disorders were mothers. There were no clinical differences between women with or without children, but mothers were more likely to be older and live in unsupported accommodation. Having had a 'looked after' child was associated with Mental Health Act detention, younger age, a forensic history and being Black African.

Conclusion: Many women with psychoses are mothers. Mothers with psychoses are as disabled and have as many needs as women with psychoses without children.