The lived experiences of individuals with postpartum psychosis: A qualitative analysis
- PMID: 38160890
- DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.069
The lived experiences of individuals with postpartum psychosis: A qualitative analysis
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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Conflict of interest statement
Declaration of competing interest Lee S. Cohen, MD – as of 7/10/2023 Research Support: Dr. Cohen is an employee of Massachusetts General Hospital, and works with the MGH National Pregnancy Registry. MGH National Pregnancy Registry: Current Sponsors: Alkermes, Inc. (2016-Present); Eisai, Inc. (2022-Present); Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc (2019-Present); Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. (2008-Present); Sage Therapeutics (2019-Present); Supernus Pharmaceuticals (2021-Present); Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (2018-Present). As an employee of MGH, Dr. Cohen works with the MGH CTNI, which has had research funding from multiple pharmaceutical companies and NIMH. Other research support: National Institutes of Health; SAGE Therapeutics Advisory/Consulting: None Speaking/Honoraria: None Royalty/patent, other income: None Marlene P. Freeman, MD – as of 1/20/2023 Research Support: Dr. Freeman is an employee of Massachusetts General Hospital, and works with the MGH National Pregnancy Registry. MGH National Pregnancy Registry: Current Sponsors: Alkermes, Inc. (2016-Present); Eisai, Inc. (2022-Present); Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc (2019-Present); Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. (2008-Present); Sage Therapeutics (2019-Present); Supernus Pharmaceuticals (2021-Present); Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (2018-Present). As an employee of MGH, Dr. Freeman works with the MGH CTNI, which has had research funding from multiple pharmaceutical companies and NIMH. Other Research Support: SAGE Therapeutics, JayMac. Advisory/Consulting, Data Safety Committees: Independent Data Safety and Monitoring Committees: Janssen (Johnson& Johnson), Novartis, Neurocrine; Advisory Boards: Eliem, Sage; Brainify; Everly Health; Tibi Health; Relmada; Beckley Psytech Speaking/Honoraria: WebMD, Medscape, Pri-Med, Postpartum Support International Royalty/patent, other income: Scale Royalties- through MGH Scale, The Massachusetts General Hospital Female Reproductive Lifecycle and Hormones Questionnaire (Freeman et al. 2013) Rachel Vanderkruik, PhD, Lauren A. Kobylski, MPH, Madison M. Dunk, BA, Miranda H. Arakelian, BA, Margaret L. Gaw, BA, Hannah Dineen, Margaux Kanamori have no conflicts of interest to disclose.