Modern Management of Perinatal Psychiatric Disorders

This month sees two readers give their verdict on a new release from the Royal College of Psychiatrists on ways to manage perinatal psychiatric disorders.

Henshaw, Cox and Barton's 2017 book is essential or anyone who cares for women with perinatal mental health problems. All aspects of the maternal journey have been carefully presented around a time line that includes antenatal, intranatal, postnatal and longer term health. However, the book goes further by incorporating the complexity for women whose lives involve multiple outcomes related to partners, neonates, and adolescents.

The layout leads the reader through key concepts related to perinatal mental health in a logical way. Comprehensive and informative referencing assists the reader to understand perinatal mental health conditions, their clinical assessment and potential interventions. Knowledge is contextualised by relating information concerning service provision.

Further reading and reference to interesting and informative resources draw the reader's attention to additional information that could support their growing knowledge base. Of particular interest is how the authors take time to identify gaps in research, education, practice and policy, which will help to support those who study for higher qualifications related to future research.