TY - JOUR

T1 - Postpartum psychosis and relationships

T2 - their mutual influence from the perspective of women and significant others

AU - Wyatt, Caroline

AU - Murray, Craig David

AU - Davies, Jenny Shuttleworth

AU - Jomeen, Julie

PY - 2015

Y1 - 2015

N2 - Objective: To explore how women and their significant others make sense of their experience of postpartum psychosis (PP), their relationships, and the mutual influence of these. Background: Although previous studies have highlighted the potential strain placed on relationships by an experience of PP, none have explored shared perceptions of relationships during this time. Methods: Seven women who had experienced PP were interviewed, alongside a significant other of their choosing. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), paying particular attention to understandings shared or disputed by the dyad. Results: Four themes emerged from the data: (a) ‘she wasn’t herself’: threatened relationships through loss of ‘normal’ self; (b) invalidation and isolation: relational dynamics in seeking, receiving and providing support; (c) ‘the worst life can throw at us’: shared perceptions of trust and respect following PP; and (d) a double-edged sword: understanding relationships as negatively and positively influencing PP experience. Conclusion: The results highlight the complexity of interactions between the experience of PP and close relationships. Although PP can create difficulties within relationships, ultimately the experience can result in stronger connections with significant others. Supportive relationships can play an important role in recovery from PP. Methodological limitations, clinical implications and areas for further research are considered.

AB - Objective: To explore how women and their significant others make sense of their experience of postpartum psychosis (PP), their relationships, and the mutual influence of these. Background: Although previous studies have highlighted the potential strain placed on relationships by an experience of PP, none have explored shared perceptions of relationships during this time. Methods: Seven women who had experienced PP were interviewed, alongside a significant other of their choosing. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), paying particular attention to understandings shared or disputed by the dyad. Results: Four themes emerged from the data: (a) ‘she wasn’t herself’: threatened relationships through loss of ‘normal’ self; (b) invalidation and isolation: relational dynamics in seeking, receiving and providing support; (c) ‘the worst life can throw at us’: shared perceptions of trust and respect following PP; and (d) a double-edged sword: understanding relationships as negatively and positively influencing PP experience. Conclusion: The results highlight the complexity of interactions between the experience of PP and close relationships. Although PP can create difficulties within relationships, ultimately the experience can result in stronger connections with significant others. Supportive relationships can play an important role in recovery from PP. Methodological limitations, clinical implications and areas for further research are considered.

KW - postpartum psychosis

KW - mothers

KW - significant others

KW - dyadic interviews

KW - qualitative methods

U2 - 10.1080/02646838.2015.1027181

DO - 10.1080/02646838.2015.1027181

M3 - Journal article

VL - 33

SP - 426

EP - 442

JO - Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology

JF - Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology

SN - 0264-6838

IS - 4

ER -