Prevention inherent in services for women with schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
Effective care to women with serious mental illness provides an opportunity for prevention of mental health problems in their offspring. The objective of this study is to outline the preventive possibilities of a service targeted to women with schizophrenia.


METHODS
An analysis of recently published literature on women suffering from schizophrenia, focusing on intervention.


RESULTS
Genetic counselling, prenatal care, prevention of obstetrical complications, substance abuse reduction, appropriate antipsychotic treatment, parenting support, safety issues, quality of life, ethics, cultural competence, and advocacy are components of a comprehensive service to women with schizophrenia.


CONCLUSIONS
These components improve maternal health and, by also ensuring fetal and neonatal health, are potentially preventive against schizophrenia in the second generation.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario. mary.seeman@utoronto.ca
Mary V
MV
Seeman
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016487:Parenting; D011247:Pregnancy; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*