Talking Therapy for Unusual Experiences After Childbirth.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Talking Therapy for Unusual Experiences After Childbirth: the Views of Experts by Experience and Psychologists.
IRAS ID
350877
Contact name
Kim Heimel
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University, Salomons Centre for Applied Psychology
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research suggests that women who have had unusual experiences after childbirth, often referred to as postpartum psychosis, would like psychological support (Heron et al., 2011). However, there is a lack of studies on psychosocial interventions for postpartum psychosis. Women with postpartum psychosis present with unique clinical features, such as, for example, delusions concerning the child or childbirth (Osborne, 2018), within the unique social context of motherhood, which entails substantial life adjustments. Therefore, it is important that research is carried out to increase our understanding of how practitioners can best offer meaningful psychological support to women with these experiences.The proposed study aims to explore consensus among an expert panel, consisting of women who have experienced postpartum psychosis, as well as psychologists experienced in offering talking therapy to women with postpartum psychosis. Specifically, the study will focus on the following areas: the psychological needs of women with postpartum psychosis, the interventions considered most helpful, including adaptations and when those interventions should be offered.
The study will consist of three rounds. In Round 1, participants will complete a 60- minute interview. In Round 2 and Round 3 participants will be asked to answer brief questionnaires which be developed based on responses from Round 1 interviews.
Women with no previous diagnosis of bipolar, schizophrenia or psychosis who have had unusual experience after giving birth and had some form of talking therapy for it are eligible to participate. Psychologist must be registered with the HCPC and are asked to only participate if they have experience in working with women with postpartum psychosis in the last five years. Participants will be recruited from perinatal services in Kent (Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust).
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0151
Date of REC Opinion
3 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion