Fiona Blake - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Fiona Blake

Research paper thumbnail of Cognitive therapy for premenstrual syndrome

Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Oct 1, 1998

Research paper thumbnail of Psychological effects of continuation versus discontinuation of hormone replacement therapy by estrogen implants: A placebo-controlled study

Research paper thumbnail of Motherhood and mental health

Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Aug 1, 1997

... Login to save citations to My List. Citation. Database: PsycINFO. [Book; Authored Book]. Moth... more ... Login to save citations to My List. Citation. Database: PsycINFO. [Book; Authored Book]. Motherhood and mental health. Brockington, Ian. New York, NY, US: Oxford University Press. (1996). xv, 612 pp. Abstract. This book sets out ...

Research paper thumbnail of Perinatal mental health: A source book for professionals

Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Jun 1, 1996

Research paper thumbnail of Breast-feeding difficulties experienced by women taking part in a qualitative interview study of postnatal depression

Midwifery, Sep 1, 2004

Objective: to explore how women experience breast-feeding difficulties. This theme emerged unexpe... more Objective: to explore how women experience breast-feeding difficulties. This theme emerged unexpectedly during a study of women's experiences of screening with the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) and subsequent care from primary health-care professionals. Design: qualitative in-depth interview study. Setting: postnatal women of 22 general practices within Oxford City Primary Care Group area. Participants: 39 postnatal women from a purposeful sample were interviewed at an average of 15 months postnatal. They were chosen from different general practices and with a range of emotional difficulties after birth, judged using EPDS results at eight weeks and eight months postnatal, and whether they received 'listening visits' from health visitors. Measurements and findings: a qualitative thematic analysis was used, including searches for anticipated and emergent themes. Fifteen women had breast-feeding difficulties. Five themes emerged which explore the difficulties. Firstly, commitment to breast feeding and high expectations of success; secondly, unexpected difficulties; thirdly, seeking professional support for difficulties; fourthly, finding a way to cope; and fifthly, guilt. Key conclusions: in this study breast-feeding difficulties were common, caused emotional distress and interactions with professionals could be difficult. Current breast-feeding policy, such as the 'Baby Friendly Initiative', may be a contributing factor. This needs to be explored in a further study.

Research paper thumbnail of How do women with postnatal depression experience listening visits in primary care? A qualitative interview study

Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, May 1, 2006

Background:Listening visits are a routine intervention offered to women with postnatal depression... more Background:Listening visits are a routine intervention offered to women with postnatal depression.Objectives:To explore the experiences of women who have received listening visits for postnatal depression.Methods:An in‐depth qualitative interview study involving a purposive sample of 39 postnatal women from patients of 22 general practices within Oxford City PCG area. This paper addresses the question: What factors affected women's experience of listening visits for postnatal depression? A qualitative thematic analysis was used.Results:Sixteen women reported receiving listening visits. The factors that made listening visits a positive experience were: (1) agreeing with a medical model for postnatal depression; (2) a good relationship with the health visitor; (3) being offered choices and options; (4) a clear and flexible process for the visits.Conclusions:This study showed that there certain conditions that needed to be met if women with postnatal depression were to view listening visits as a positive experience. These results need to be evaluated in a larger study since this intervention is already so widespread.

Research paper thumbnail of Daylight saving time in psychiatric illness

Journal of Affective Disorders, Jul 1, 1990

Research paper thumbnail of Cognitive therapy for Premenstrual Syndrome

Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, Jun 1, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of Women's HEALTH(2)月経前症候群(PMS)(後編)

Research paper thumbnail of Perinatal mental health: A source book for professionals

Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 1996

Research paper thumbnail of Psychological and Sexual Symptoms Associated with the Menopause and the Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy

British Journal of Psychiatry, Aug 1, 1995

BackgroundThere is considerable inconsistency in the results of studies of the psychological and ... more BackgroundThere is considerable inconsistency in the results of studies of the psychological and sexual sequelae of the menopause and their treatment.MethodA search of the literature on Medline was made of studies of psychological symptoms in women who were either naturally or surgically menopausal or who were receiving hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms.ResultsThere is evidence of a small increase in psychological morbidity (not usually amounting to psychiatric disorder) preceding the natural menopause and following the surgical menopause. Psychosocial as well as hormonal factors are relevant. While the response of psychosocial symptoms to hormone replacement therapy with oestrogens is variable and most marked in the surgical menopause, in some studies the effect is little greater than that for placebo. Where sexual symptoms are present, there is more consistent evidence that hormone replacement therapy is effective.ConclusionsIn the light of the available evidence, the current use of hormone replacement therapy to treat psychological symptoms detected at the time of (but not necessarily therefore due to) the natural menopause must be questioned. It does appear that oestrogen therapy ameliorates psychological symptoms after surgical menopause.

Research paper thumbnail of Cognitive therapy for Premenstrual Syndrome

Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of Breast-feeding difficulties experienced by women taking part in a qualitative interview study of postnatal depression

Midwifery, 2004

Objective: to explore how women experience breast-feeding difficulties. This theme emerged unexpe... more Objective: to explore how women experience breast-feeding difficulties. This theme emerged unexpectedly during a study of women's experiences of screening with the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) and subsequent care from primary health-care professionals. Design: qualitative in-depth interview study. Setting: postnatal women of 22 general practices within Oxford City Primary Care Group area. Participants: 39 postnatal women from a purposeful sample were interviewed at an average of 15 months postnatal. They were chosen from different general practices and with a range of emotional difficulties after birth, judged using EPDS results at eight weeks and eight months postnatal, and whether they received 'listening visits' from health visitors. Measurements and findings: a qualitative thematic analysis was used, including searches for anticipated and emergent themes. Fifteen women had breast-feeding difficulties. Five themes emerged which explore the difficulties. Firstly, commitment to breast feeding and high expectations of success; secondly, unexpected difficulties; thirdly, seeking professional support for difficulties; fourthly, finding a way to cope; and fifthly, guilt. Key conclusions: in this study breast-feeding difficulties were common, caused emotional distress and interactions with professionals could be difficult. Current breast-feeding policy, such as the 'Baby Friendly Initiative', may be a contributing factor. This needs to be explored in a further study.

Research paper thumbnail of Psychological effects of continuation versus discontinuation of hormone replacement therapy by estrogen implants: A placebo-controlled study

Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Be vigilant for symptoms of perinatal depression

Research paper thumbnail of Daylight saving time in psychiatric illness

Journal of Affective Disorders, 1990

Research paper thumbnail of A qualitative study of the acceptability of routine screening of postnatal women using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

The British Journal of General …, 2003

Background: Screening for postnatal depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EP... more Background: Screening for postnatal depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has been widely recommended and implemented in primary care, although little is known about how acceptable it is to women. Aim: To explore the acceptability to women of postnatal screening by health visitors with the EPDS. Design of study: Qualitative interview study. Setting: Postnatal patients from 22 general practices within the area of Oxford City Primary Care Group. Method: Thirty-nine postnatal women from a purposive sample were interviewed, chosen on the basis of different general practices, EPDS results at eight weeks and eight months postnatal, and whether 'listening visits' were received. The interviews were analysed using the constant comparative method. Results: Just over half of the women interviewed found screening with the EPDS less than acceptable, whatever their postnatal emotional health. The main themes identified were problems with the process of screening and, in particular, the venue, the personal intrusion of screening and stigma. The women interviewed had a clear preference for talking about how they felt, rather than filling out a questionnaire. Conclusion: For this sample, routine screening with the EPDS was less than acceptable for the majority of women. This is of concern, as universal screening with the EPDS for the detection of postnatal depression is already recommended and widespread in primary care.

Research paper thumbnail of Psychological and Sexual Symptoms Associated With the Menopause and the Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy

The British Journal of Psychiatry, 1995

While there is general agreement about the physical sequelae of the menopause, the same cannot be... more While there is general agreement about the physical sequelae of the menopause, the same cannot be said of psychological symptoms, psychiatricdisordersand sexual function. Following the introduction of hormone replacementtherapy(HRT), inconsistencies in the findings of treatment studies ...

Research paper thumbnail of How do women with postnatal depression experience listening visits in primary care? A qualitative interview study

Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 2006

Background:Listening visits are a routine intervention offered to women with postnatal depression... more Background:Listening visits are a routine intervention offered to women with postnatal depression.Objectives:To explore the experiences of women who have received listening visits for postnatal depression.Methods:An in‐depth qualitative interview study involving a purposive sample of 39 postnatal women from patients of 22 general practices within Oxford City PCG area. This paper addresses the question: What factors affected women's experience of listening visits for postnatal depression? A qualitative thematic analysis was used.Results:Sixteen women reported receiving listening visits. The factors that made listening visits a positive experience were: (1) agreeing with a medical model for postnatal depression; (2) a good relationship with the health visitor; (3) being offered choices and options; (4) a clear and flexible process for the visits.Conclusions:This study showed that there certain conditions that needed to be met if women with postnatal depression were to view listening visits as a positive experience. These results need to be evaluated in a larger study since this intervention is already so widespread.

Research paper thumbnail of A man with congenital abnormalities and psychotic symptoms

BMJ (Clinical research ed.), Jan 10, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Cognitive therapy for premenstrual syndrome

Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Oct 1, 1998

Research paper thumbnail of Psychological effects of continuation versus discontinuation of hormone replacement therapy by estrogen implants: A placebo-controlled study

Research paper thumbnail of Motherhood and mental health

Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Aug 1, 1997

... Login to save citations to My List. Citation. Database: PsycINFO. [Book; Authored Book]. Moth... more ... Login to save citations to My List. Citation. Database: PsycINFO. [Book; Authored Book]. Motherhood and mental health. Brockington, Ian. New York, NY, US: Oxford University Press. (1996). xv, 612 pp. Abstract. This book sets out ...

Research paper thumbnail of Perinatal mental health: A source book for professionals

Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Jun 1, 1996

Research paper thumbnail of Breast-feeding difficulties experienced by women taking part in a qualitative interview study of postnatal depression

Midwifery, Sep 1, 2004

Objective: to explore how women experience breast-feeding difficulties. This theme emerged unexpe... more Objective: to explore how women experience breast-feeding difficulties. This theme emerged unexpectedly during a study of women's experiences of screening with the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) and subsequent care from primary health-care professionals. Design: qualitative in-depth interview study. Setting: postnatal women of 22 general practices within Oxford City Primary Care Group area. Participants: 39 postnatal women from a purposeful sample were interviewed at an average of 15 months postnatal. They were chosen from different general practices and with a range of emotional difficulties after birth, judged using EPDS results at eight weeks and eight months postnatal, and whether they received 'listening visits' from health visitors. Measurements and findings: a qualitative thematic analysis was used, including searches for anticipated and emergent themes. Fifteen women had breast-feeding difficulties. Five themes emerged which explore the difficulties. Firstly, commitment to breast feeding and high expectations of success; secondly, unexpected difficulties; thirdly, seeking professional support for difficulties; fourthly, finding a way to cope; and fifthly, guilt. Key conclusions: in this study breast-feeding difficulties were common, caused emotional distress and interactions with professionals could be difficult. Current breast-feeding policy, such as the 'Baby Friendly Initiative', may be a contributing factor. This needs to be explored in a further study.

Research paper thumbnail of How do women with postnatal depression experience listening visits in primary care? A qualitative interview study

Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, May 1, 2006

Background:Listening visits are a routine intervention offered to women with postnatal depression... more Background:Listening visits are a routine intervention offered to women with postnatal depression.Objectives:To explore the experiences of women who have received listening visits for postnatal depression.Methods:An in‐depth qualitative interview study involving a purposive sample of 39 postnatal women from patients of 22 general practices within Oxford City PCG area. This paper addresses the question: What factors affected women's experience of listening visits for postnatal depression? A qualitative thematic analysis was used.Results:Sixteen women reported receiving listening visits. The factors that made listening visits a positive experience were: (1) agreeing with a medical model for postnatal depression; (2) a good relationship with the health visitor; (3) being offered choices and options; (4) a clear and flexible process for the visits.Conclusions:This study showed that there certain conditions that needed to be met if women with postnatal depression were to view listening visits as a positive experience. These results need to be evaluated in a larger study since this intervention is already so widespread.

Research paper thumbnail of Daylight saving time in psychiatric illness

Journal of Affective Disorders, Jul 1, 1990

Research paper thumbnail of Cognitive therapy for Premenstrual Syndrome

Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, Jun 1, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of Women's HEALTH(2)月経前症候群(PMS)(後編)

Research paper thumbnail of Perinatal mental health: A source book for professionals

Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 1996

Research paper thumbnail of Psychological and Sexual Symptoms Associated with the Menopause and the Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy

British Journal of Psychiatry, Aug 1, 1995

BackgroundThere is considerable inconsistency in the results of studies of the psychological and ... more BackgroundThere is considerable inconsistency in the results of studies of the psychological and sexual sequelae of the menopause and their treatment.MethodA search of the literature on Medline was made of studies of psychological symptoms in women who were either naturally or surgically menopausal or who were receiving hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms.ResultsThere is evidence of a small increase in psychological morbidity (not usually amounting to psychiatric disorder) preceding the natural menopause and following the surgical menopause. Psychosocial as well as hormonal factors are relevant. While the response of psychosocial symptoms to hormone replacement therapy with oestrogens is variable and most marked in the surgical menopause, in some studies the effect is little greater than that for placebo. Where sexual symptoms are present, there is more consistent evidence that hormone replacement therapy is effective.ConclusionsIn the light of the available evidence, the current use of hormone replacement therapy to treat psychological symptoms detected at the time of (but not necessarily therefore due to) the natural menopause must be questioned. It does appear that oestrogen therapy ameliorates psychological symptoms after surgical menopause.

Research paper thumbnail of Cognitive therapy for Premenstrual Syndrome

Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of Breast-feeding difficulties experienced by women taking part in a qualitative interview study of postnatal depression

Midwifery, 2004

Objective: to explore how women experience breast-feeding difficulties. This theme emerged unexpe... more Objective: to explore how women experience breast-feeding difficulties. This theme emerged unexpectedly during a study of women's experiences of screening with the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) and subsequent care from primary health-care professionals. Design: qualitative in-depth interview study. Setting: postnatal women of 22 general practices within Oxford City Primary Care Group area. Participants: 39 postnatal women from a purposeful sample were interviewed at an average of 15 months postnatal. They were chosen from different general practices and with a range of emotional difficulties after birth, judged using EPDS results at eight weeks and eight months postnatal, and whether they received 'listening visits' from health visitors. Measurements and findings: a qualitative thematic analysis was used, including searches for anticipated and emergent themes. Fifteen women had breast-feeding difficulties. Five themes emerged which explore the difficulties. Firstly, commitment to breast feeding and high expectations of success; secondly, unexpected difficulties; thirdly, seeking professional support for difficulties; fourthly, finding a way to cope; and fifthly, guilt. Key conclusions: in this study breast-feeding difficulties were common, caused emotional distress and interactions with professionals could be difficult. Current breast-feeding policy, such as the 'Baby Friendly Initiative', may be a contributing factor. This needs to be explored in a further study.

Research paper thumbnail of Psychological effects of continuation versus discontinuation of hormone replacement therapy by estrogen implants: A placebo-controlled study

Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Be vigilant for symptoms of perinatal depression

Research paper thumbnail of Daylight saving time in psychiatric illness

Journal of Affective Disorders, 1990

Research paper thumbnail of A qualitative study of the acceptability of routine screening of postnatal women using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

The British Journal of General …, 2003

Background: Screening for postnatal depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EP... more Background: Screening for postnatal depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has been widely recommended and implemented in primary care, although little is known about how acceptable it is to women. Aim: To explore the acceptability to women of postnatal screening by health visitors with the EPDS. Design of study: Qualitative interview study. Setting: Postnatal patients from 22 general practices within the area of Oxford City Primary Care Group. Method: Thirty-nine postnatal women from a purposive sample were interviewed, chosen on the basis of different general practices, EPDS results at eight weeks and eight months postnatal, and whether 'listening visits' were received. The interviews were analysed using the constant comparative method. Results: Just over half of the women interviewed found screening with the EPDS less than acceptable, whatever their postnatal emotional health. The main themes identified were problems with the process of screening and, in particular, the venue, the personal intrusion of screening and stigma. The women interviewed had a clear preference for talking about how they felt, rather than filling out a questionnaire. Conclusion: For this sample, routine screening with the EPDS was less than acceptable for the majority of women. This is of concern, as universal screening with the EPDS for the detection of postnatal depression is already recommended and widespread in primary care.

Research paper thumbnail of Psychological and Sexual Symptoms Associated With the Menopause and the Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy

The British Journal of Psychiatry, 1995

While there is general agreement about the physical sequelae of the menopause, the same cannot be... more While there is general agreement about the physical sequelae of the menopause, the same cannot be said of psychological symptoms, psychiatricdisordersand sexual function. Following the introduction of hormone replacementtherapy(HRT), inconsistencies in the findings of treatment studies ...

Research paper thumbnail of How do women with postnatal depression experience listening visits in primary care? A qualitative interview study

Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 2006

Background:Listening visits are a routine intervention offered to women with postnatal depression... more Background:Listening visits are a routine intervention offered to women with postnatal depression.Objectives:To explore the experiences of women who have received listening visits for postnatal depression.Methods:An in‐depth qualitative interview study involving a purposive sample of 39 postnatal women from patients of 22 general practices within Oxford City PCG area. This paper addresses the question: What factors affected women's experience of listening visits for postnatal depression? A qualitative thematic analysis was used.Results:Sixteen women reported receiving listening visits. The factors that made listening visits a positive experience were: (1) agreeing with a medical model for postnatal depression; (2) a good relationship with the health visitor; (3) being offered choices and options; (4) a clear and flexible process for the visits.Conclusions:This study showed that there certain conditions that needed to be met if women with postnatal depression were to view listening visits as a positive experience. These results need to be evaluated in a larger study since this intervention is already so widespread.

Research paper thumbnail of A man with congenital abnormalities and psychotic symptoms

BMJ (Clinical research ed.), Jan 10, 2008