Experiences of recovering from postpartum psychosis: a service-user/researcher collaboration [Congress Abstract]

Background/Objectives: Every year, over 1,300 women in the UK suffer a psychotic episode following childbirth. Known as ‘postpartum psychosis’ or ‘puerperal psychosis', these episodes onset suddenly in the days after having a baby and can be a frightening experience for women, their partners, friends and family. Despite good clinical recovery, women report that coming to terms with the experience is a lengthy process. Pilot work found that recovering women search the internet for information but find it limited, misleading or sensationalist. The objective of this study was to explore the experience of women with postpartum psychosis in different service settings such as psychiatric Mother and Baby Units and general psychiatric wards. Methods: Five women from ‘Action on Postpartum Psychosis’ who had expressed an interest in learning about research, took part in a workshop in qualitative research methodology. On day one, training in theory and interview skills was provided. On day two, a study was designed collaboratively and topic guide questions determined. Service user researchers then conducted in-depth interviews with each other about their experiences of postpartum psychosis and recovery. Interviews were recorded and transcribed by a service user researcher with experience of transcription. Data analysis was conducted by a team of two service user researchers, a perinatal researcher and two qualitative researchers using a grounded analytic induction approach. Thematic validation was carried out by the other service user researchers. Results: Seven broad categories emerged: Unmet Expectations; Ordering and Rationalising; Social Interaction; Medical Support; Family Support; Information; Small Steps and Time. Web-based information on assisting recovery from postpartum psychosis was developed. Discussion/Conclusions: Project outputs include a YouTube film, academic papers and web-based leaflets to address the need for accessible information on this condition and available mental health services