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Archives of Women's Mental Health

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Open Access 12-05-2023 | Original Article

Experiences of decision making about psychotropic medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding in women living with severe mental illness: a qualitative study

Authors: J. Frayne, R. Ellies, T. Nguyen

Published in: Archives of Women's Mental Health | Issue 3/2023

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of women living with severe mental illnesses making decisions about psychotropic medication use in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and what helped or hindered the decision-making process.

Methods

We report on a qualitative study from 12 women who attended the pregnancy service between May 2018 and June 2019. Interviews occurred at 4–6 weeks postpartum on women with severe mental illnesses, which was nested within a larger mixed-methods study.

Results

Three main themes were elicited from the participants’ transcriptions and included (i) the decision-making process with subthemes of shared decision-making, consistency and complete care, collaboration and clear communication, and challenges of managing medication; (ii) how information is given, with subthemes of information delivery and communication breakdown; and (iii) breastfeeding dilemmas with subthemes of lithium and breastfeeding choice and autonomy regarding breastfeeding on medication.

Conclusion

Findings offer understanding of patients’ experiences in the decision-making and use of psychotropic medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women living with severe mental illnesses, such as bipolar and psychosis, face difficult medication decisions due to uncertainty around use in pregnancy, potentially causing conflict with their dual role as both persons with a diagnosed mental illness but also new mothers. The clinician needs to provide comprehensible and concise information, giving space for a woman’s voice to be heard to guide them from a position of hesitancy to one of assurance. Collaboration within a multidisciplinary team and external care providers combined with consistency of care assists this process.

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Title: Experiences of decision making about psychotropic medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding in women living with severe mental illness: a qualitative study
Authors: J. Frayne
R. Ellies
T. Nguyen
Publication date: 12-05-2023
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Archives of Women's Mental Health / Issue 3/2023
Print ISSN: 1434-1816
Electronic ISSN: 1435-1102
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-023-01325-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Experiences of decision making about psychotropic medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding in women living with severe mental illness: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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