Postpartum psychosis: a public involvement perspective across three continents

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Global Mental Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Postpartum psychosis (PP) is a critical psychiatric emergency lacking representation in current diagnostic systems.
• Stakeholder engagement is vital for enhancing clinical practice and research impact in psychiatry.
• Limited research exists on stakeholder involvement in PP, particularly outside Western countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore stakeholder perspectives on postpartum psychosis (PP) in India, Malawi, and the UK.
• To understand the clinical presentation and terminology of PP across diverse cultural contexts.
• To identify key areas for service improvement and research informed by lived experience.

Main Methods:

• Conducted public involvement activities, specifically discussion groups, with key stakeholders.
• Focused discussions on the clinical picture and terminology associated with postpartum psychosis episodes.
• Gathered insights on service handling, symptoms, impact, barriers, non-medical approaches, and research priorities.

Main Results:

• Postpartum psychosis (PP) exhibits similar clinical presentations across India, Malawi, and the UK.
• Significant variations were identified in service access, mental health approaches, and terminology used within and between countries.
• Seven major themes emerged: service handling, symptoms, impact, barriers, non-medical approaches, terminology, and research interests.

Conclusions:

• Foundational understanding for cross-cultural assessment of postpartum psychosis (PP) is established.
• Identified pathways for service improvement and a stakeholder-informed research agenda for PP.
• Emphasized the importance of global stakeholder engagement for advancing PP care and research.