Vol 38, (8) 594-600
Motherhood and mental illness – Part 1 – toward a general understanding
Jacqueline Frayne MBBS, DRANZCOG, FRACGP, MMed(WmnHlth), GCIM, is GP Medical Officer, Childbirth and Mental Illness Antenatal Clinic, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Perth, Western Australia.
Thinh Nguyen MBBS, FRANZCP, CertChildAdolPsych, is Consultant Psychiatrist, Department of Psychological Medicine, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Perth, Western Australia.
Suzanna Allen RN, RM, BScN, is a clinical midwife, Childbirth and Mental Health Illness Antenatal Clinic, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Perth, Western Australia.
Jonathan Rampono MBBS, FRANZCP, is Head, Department of Psychological Medicine, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Perth, Western Australia.
BACKGROUND Mental illness is common among women of childbearing age, and fertility rates of women with mental illness are close to those of the general population. General practitioners will see most of the women who may be seeking advice and management of their mental illnesses before, during or after a pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE This article reviews the current approaches to the management of mental illness in and around pregnancy, and provides practical advice regarding pregnancy related issues in women with mental health disorders.
DISCUSSION The GP is ideally placed to give information and encourage appropriate treatment choices in women with mental illness. Given the multifaceted complexities, the optimal approach is holistic and collaborative. Specialist opinion must be sought early and a multidisciplinary approach with access to specialist care offered if possible. Continuity of care, especially in the context of a trusting therapeutic relationship, is considered optimal.
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Motherhood and mental illness - Part 1 – toward a general understanding (217KB)
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