title: Qualitative insights into women's personal experiences of perinatal depression and anxiety.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety are usually described and understood from a nosological perspective. This research sought to gain insight into women's lived experience of postnatal depression and anxiety, the factors that contribute to these symptoms and the context in which they develop.
  
  
  METHODS
  Face to face and telephone interviews were conducted with 28 women from metropolitan and rural areas across Australia, who had experienced postnatal depression and/or anxiety within the last five years. Analysis was conducted from a grounded theory perspective.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Particular symptoms of anxiety and depression develop in the context of the numerous changes inherent to the transition to motherhood and contribute to a common experience of frustration and loss. Symptoms were also associated with feelings of dissatisfaction with the pregnancy and motherhood experience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings provide useful insights into women's experiences of mental health symptoms during the perinatal period, how these symptoms present and the factors involved in their development and maintenance. The need to consider women's perspectives to develop resources and health promotions strategies, as well as within the context of relationships with health professionals is highlighted. The study emphasizes the need for greater, more accurate information surrounding perinatal depression and the need to increase the profile and awareness of anxiety disorders.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Perinatal Excellence, COPE, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: nicole.highet@cope.org.au.
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Highet
authors.affiliation: Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Amanda L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Stevenson
authors.affiliation: Centre of Perinatal Excellence, COPE, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Purtell
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Soledad
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Coo
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D001315:Australia; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000523:psychology; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008016:Life Change Events; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D018743:Perinatal Care; D011181:Postnatal Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Anxiety; Perinatal; Personal experiences; Postnatal depression; Symptoms