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

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;

SUBMITTER: Frayne J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10191939 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature