City Research Online

Abstract

The lifetime prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is estimated to be between 1-3% (Bream et al., 2017), with early parenthood cited as a risk factor for the development and/or exacerbation of OCD presentations. The onset and nature of distressing, unwanted intrusive thoughts during the perinatal period (spanning from pregnancy until one year after childbirth) may prevent women from seeking help or feeling able to discuss their experiences (Challacombe & Wroe, 2013). Kucherer and Blatt, (2020) suggest mothers’ reluctance to disclose intrusive thoughts are due to feelings of shame, embarrassment, fear of being misunderstood, and/or being judged. Edwards and Timmons (2005) also highlight women’s concerns with punitive action being taken, such as social service involvement. Furthermore, therapist variables, such as a lack of knowledge in perinatal issues, may also impact upon therapy experiences for this condition (Millett, et al., 2018). These authors also highlight stigma felt by women within the perinatal period when seeking cognitive behavioural therapy within primary care mental health services, although this research looked generally at a wider range of perinatal presentations. To the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first study exploring women’s experiences of cognitive behavioural therapy for perinatal OCD presentations.

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was utilised (Smith et al., 2022), which employed a multi-perspectival design. Semi-structured interviews were completed with four participants (three of whom had therapy within primary care mental health settings and one participant who had therapy from a specialist perinatal mental health service). Group Experiential Themes (primary care participants) and Personal Experiential Themes (specialist perinatal service participant) were discussed in relation to a hierarchy of therapeutic needs. Implications for counselling psychology and therapeutic practice within CBT are considered.

Key words:
IAPT, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, IPA, multiperspectival design, NHSTT, OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder, obsessive compulsive presentations,

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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