Background Pregnancy and the postpartum period is a vulnerable phase in life for women and can influence the development or course of a psychiatric disorder. These patients can receive extra guidance during this period by the POP-collaboration (Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Pediatrics) in many hospitals.
Aim To describe the characteristics of patients who received psychiatric consultation by the POP-collaboration at the LUMC and the interventions that were conducted.
Method Data of patients who were seen at the psychiatric (outpatient) clinic for POP-guidance between 1 January 2016 and 1 April 2020 were analyzed.
Results 292 patients were seen in 310 guidance programs at the psychiatric (outpatient) clinic. Patients referred preconceptionally or during the pregnancy mostly suffered anxiety or unipolar mood disorders. Postpartum it concerned mostly psychotic disorders and bipolar mood disorders. A majority had two or more psychiatric disorders. Interventions were psycho-education, supportive contact, collaboration with their own health-professionals, adjustment of the current treatment, making a prevention plan, a prolonged stay at hospital after childbirth or (rarely) an admission to the psychiatric ward.
Conclusion Patients seen for guidance by the POP-collaboration at the LUMC are a vulnerable patient population with frequently complex psychopathology, and need personalized psychoeducation, supervision and treatment.