title: Not identifying with postnatal depression: a qualitative study of women's postnatal symptoms of distress and need for support.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diagnoses and symptoms of postnatal mental health problems are associated with adverse outcomes for women and their families. Current classification and assessment of postnatal mental health problems may not adequately address the range or combination of emotional distress experienced by mothers. This study aims to explore symptoms of mental health problems reported by new mothers and their experiences of being assessed for these.
  
  
  METHODS
  In-depth interviews with 17 women in southeast England with a baby under 1-year old who experienced a postnatal mental health problem. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Women described a lack of identification with the concept of postnatal depression and felt that other forms of emotional distress were not recognized by the healthcare system. Women felt that support seeking for postnatal mental health problems needed to be normalized and that support should be available whether or not women were diagnosed. Assessment needs to be well timed and caringly implemented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Identification and recognition of symptoms and disorders other than postnatal depression need to be improved. Awareness of multiple types of distress needs to be raised both for women experiencing such distress, and for healthcare professionals, to enable them to support women at this time. Different approaches to assessment that include the range of symptoms reported should be piloted.
authors.affiliation: a School of Psychology, Pevensey Building, University of Sussex , Falmer , UK and.
authors.forename: Rose
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Coates
authors.affiliation: a School of Psychology, Pevensey Building, University of Sussex , Falmer , UK and.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: de Visser
authors.affiliation: b Centre for Maternal and Child Health, City University London , London , UK.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ayers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D063189:Symptom Assessment; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Assessment; postnatal anxiety; postnatal depression; postnatal mental health; screening