title: Women's experience of postpartum psychotic episodes--analyses of narratives from the internet.
abstract: The aim of this study was to gain an insight into women's experiences of postpartum psychosis (PPP). Ten narratives taken from the Internet, which met the definition of PPP, were analyzed using cross-case and content analyses. The results revealed women's experience of having unfulfilled dreams, being enveloped by darkness, having disabling symptoms, and being abandoned. The women's experiences point to the importance of further education of nurses and doctors concerning PPP. It is vital not only for those working in psychiatric health care but also midwives and nurses who are working in maternity wards and child welfare centers. This would facilitate early recognition of signs and symptoms of the disorder, which, in turn, would make early treatment possible, thus supporting recovery. Furthermore, greater knowledge could contribute to providing more effective and compassionate care for these women.
authors: Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, School of Life Science, University of Skövde, Box 408, SE-541 28 Skövde, Sweden. inger.engqvist@his.se
authors: Inger
authors: I
authors: Engqvist
authors: Ginette
authors: G
authors: Ferszt
authors: Arne
authors: A
authors: Ahlin
authors: Kerstin
authors: K
authors: Nilsson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000523:psychology*; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States