Kathleen's journey: improving mental health outcomes for women with bipolar affective disorder

Abstract

For most women, pregnancy and the postpartum period are times of great joy and expectation. However, for women with a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder, there is an exceptionally high risk of deterioration in their mental health. There is the real possibility of developing postpartum psychosis, possibly requiring acute psychiatric admission and being separated from their baby. This can have devastating consequences for a woman, her baby, the family and society. Multiple services/disciplines across primary, secondary and tertiary care settings need to work together to enhance outcomes for these women. In Ireland, a relatively new collaborative way of working is emerging, as specialist perinatal mental health teams are developed. This case review aims to illustrate the complexities of and potential in collaborative team working to support a woman with a pre-existing a mental health disorder, and her family, during pregnancy. This was done through a specialist perinatal mental health teams collaboration co-ordinated by a clinical nurse specialist.