Mental Health Professionals' Perspectives Towards Desire for Children and Family Planning Among Psychiatric Patients - Results of a Qualitative Study

Study aims: Analysis of mental health professionals' attitudes to reproductive issues among psychiatric patients. Method: 31 problem-centered semi-structured interviews with psychiatric professionals were conducted and analyzed by content analysis methods. Results: Outside of psychotherapeutic treatment the desire for children is generally assessed as less important in the context of mental health care, it is often limited to effective birth control with regard to drug treatment. Mental health professionals perceive moral concerns, lack of expertise among professionals and individual doubts as barriers when dealing with reproductive issues. Discussion: In order to meet psychiatric patients' reproductive needs, perceptions of barriers amongmental health professionals in dealing with reproductive issues should be reflected and discussed. Recommendations could support professionals and help ensure adequate support for psychiatric patients.