Current policy and practice for the identification, management, and treatment of postpartum anxiety in the United Kingdom: A focus group study

Background: Postpartum Anxiety [PPA] is a prevalent problem in society, posing a significant burden to women, infant health, and the National Health Service [NHS]. Despite this, it is poorly detected by current maternal mental health practices. Due to the current lack of appropriate psychometric measures, insufficiency in training of healthcare professionals, fragmentation of maternal mental healthcare policy and practice, and the magnitude of the effects of PPA on women and their infants, PPA is a critical research priority. This research aims to develop a clear understanding from key stakeholders, of the current landscape of maternal mental health and gain consensus of the needs associated with clinically identifying, measuring, and targeting intervention for women with PPA, in the NHS.

Methods: Four focus groups were conducted with a total of 21 participants, via Zoom. Data were analysed using Template Analysis.

Results: Analysis rendered four main themes: 1) Defining Postpartum Anxiety; 2) Postpartum Anxiety in Relation to other Mental Health Disorders; 3) Challenges to Measurement and Identification of Maternal Mental Health; and 4) An Ideal Measure of Postpartum Anxiety.

Conclusions: Findings can begin to inform maternal mental healthcare policy as to how to better identify and measure PPA, through the implementation of a postpartum-specific measure within practice, better training and resources for staff, and improved interprofessional communication.