Aspects of perinatal psychiatric illness.

Abstract

In view of the current changes in the National Health Service, it was considered an opportune time to review the literature on perinatal psychiatric illness. A systematic review was undertaken of relevant articles on MEDLINE, ClinPsych and Excerpta Medica Psychiatry. Sixty-eight articles were used in the review. Developments in the field of perinatal psychiatry include a greater understanding of the nosology and aetiology of the conditions, the effect of maternal illness on the child, as well as transcultural factors. The perspective of the individual sufferer has been somewhat ignored. New treatments with both pharmacotherapy and hormones are emerging, but perhaps the greatest current challenge is to adapt our management strategies to community care.