How couples experience the recovery from Postpartum Psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How do couples experience the recovery from Postpartum Psychosis in the context of having been in a Mother and Baby Unit?
IRAS ID
254353
Contact name
Laura Porter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Governance and Integrity Manager, University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
This research project is focused on mental health experiences in the post-natal period. After giving birth, some mothers can experience mental health difficulties. These difficulties can impact on their mood and behaviour, and influence their self-esteem and their interactions with others. The specific mental health disorder focused on in this research is Postpartum Psychosis.
The aim of this research is to increase understanding of how couples experience recovery from an episode of Postpartum Psychosis when the mother was admitted to a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU). At such times, the mother may be experiencing irritability, confusion, disorganised behaviour and expressing delusional beliefs, alongside limited understanding about what is happening. As such, an admission to a MBU is likely to be a difficult and stressful time for the whole family.
Existing research on Postpartum Psychosis has not always involved women who received care in specialised MBUs. However, the provision of perinatal mental healthcare has recently developed nationally to ensure this specialist intervention is now more able to be offered. This study therefore aims to develop an understanding of how couples experience Postpartum Psychosis in the context of being admitted to a MBU. This will increase understanding of what is difficult and important for this population during this time, alongside the support they require throughout the process of recovering.REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/EM/0071
Date of REC Opinion
28 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion