Title:
|
A qualitative analysis of women's accounts of puerperal psychosis and postnatal depression : the search for similarity, difference and understanding
|
Women's accounts of 'puerperal psychosis' (PP) and 'postnatal depression' (PND) were
analysed using a qualitative approach (Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis). The study
aimed to explore experiences of PP and PND from women's own perspectives; to see
whether accounts of PP and PND can be differentiated from each other; and to see whether
taking a gendered perspective and drawing on psychological theories of psychosis can offer
ways of understanding the experience of PP. Although only women with a diagnosis of PP
reported unusual beliefs or hearing voices (as would be expected since it was these reports
that resulted in the diagnosis), there were no differences between groups on other forms of
distress such as low mood, anxiety and fear of harm to the baby.
There were also no differences in the social and material contexts of women's lives (e. g.
financial difficulties, lack of support). The importance of exploring the social and relational
context of unusual experiences is emphasised and the content of 'delusions' 'hallucinations'
'paranoia' and 'rumination' (traditionally viewed as incomprehensible), as well as feelings of
depression, were found to be related to the difficult transition to motherhood and ambivalence
about pregnancy, childbirth and the baby within the context of overwhelmingly positive sociocultural
discourses of motherhood. The impact of this context on self-identity (as a woman
and a mother) and on having to take control and responsibility whilst remaining powerless in
their wider context, were themes common to all six women.
The clinical and theoretical implications are discussed, and areas identified for further
research.
|