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Meta-Analysis
. 2020 Oct;23(5):597-612.
doi: 10.1007/s00737-020-01025-z. Epub 2020 Feb 4.

Recovery from postpartum psychosis: a systematic review and metasynthesis of women's and families' experiences

R Forde  1   2 , S Peters  1 , A Wittkowski  3   4
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Recovery from postpartum psychosis: a systematic review and metasynthesis of women's and families' experiences

R Forde et al. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2020 Oct.

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.

Keywords: Childbirth; Literature review; Perinatal mental health; Psychotic disorder; Qualitative research.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Summary flowchart of study selection and search outcomes
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A conceptual model of women’s and family members’ experiences of postpartum psychosis and the factors involved in recovery
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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