Author Description

This book takes a distinctive global and multicultural approach to women's mental health. It summarizes recent advances in the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders, reproductive health and psychopharmacology. It demonstrates that women's mental health and psychiatric disorders cannot be divorced from social, cultural and political realities. The book recognises the impact on women of rapid social change and stresses such as migration, war and violence, especially on women caring for children and families. Specific sections address reproductive health, the impact of changes and life challenges, service delivery and ethics, and social policies that affect women's mental health. There are important chapters exploring pregnancy and the postpartum period, the consequences of female genital mutilation, and migration and mental health. There is also a chapter capturing experiential stories of women with mental illness from different countries and contexts. Each section is introduced by a commentary from the Editors highlighting key issues. This is an invaluable resource for all those interested in women's mental health.