Understanding Perinatal Mental Health Care: Reviewing Psychosocial Interventions for Severe Mental Illnesses and Exploring the Dyadic Transitional Experience of Co-parents

Pegg, Kirsty (2025) Understanding Perinatal Mental Health Care: Reviewing Psychosocial Interventions for Severe Mental Illnesses and Exploring the Dyadic Transitional Experience of Co-parents. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background: Perinatal mental health is a focus of the NHS long-term plan. This thesis aimed to: 1) explore the psychosocial interventions used to support individuals with a severe mental illness within the perinatal period, and 2) understand the dyadic experience of transitioning into parenthood whilst receiving support from the perinatal mental health team.

Methods: A systematic review explored quantitative literature on psychosocial interventions for people experiencing a severe mental illness (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, eating disorder, psychosis) within the perinatal period. A narrative synthesis and harvest plots were used to compare and contrast the findings, focusing on whether there were changes in symptomatology or functioning. A qualitative study was conducted to understand the dyadic experience of transitioning into parenthood whilst the birthing person is a patient of the perinatal mental health team. Thematic Discourse Analysis was used to understand this transition, the challenges, and what changes occur within the relationship.

Results: Fourteen papers were included in the systematic review. Cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, video interaction guidance, McMaster Family Therapy and integrative approaches were found to be used in the perinatal population. There was a scarcity of interventions for treating bipolar, personality disorders, and eating disorders, and no interventions solely for psychosis. In the Empirical Study, three discursive themes and four function and effect themes were formed. The transition was experienced as ‘emotionally charged’, ‘transformative’, and ‘challenging’. Couples discussed this in multiple ways that allowed them to express strong emotions, promote togetherness, protect the self and other, and as a means of disconnection in the moment.

Conclusion: Perinatal mental health is a complex and multi-faceted experience. There is a greater need for further research into interventions focusing on the unique needs of those experiencing severe mental illness in the perinatal period. Furthermore, additional research to capture the experiences of couples who are from more diverse backgrounds is essential.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2025 08:36
Last Modified:	12 Nov 2025 08:36
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/100958
DOI:

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