More help for women with severe mental illness could have intergenerational impact

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-08-29 00:01

New Zealand

Photo by Tiago Bandeira, Unsplash

Women with severe mental illness have complex needs which should be taken into consideration whenever they access health services. This study looked at the healthcare records of 100 women referred to community mental health clinics. One-third had two or more psychiatric diagnoses, 90% had documented traumatic experiences, and 81% reported suicidal ideation. More than one-quarter (27%) were migrants or refugees, and 14% of mothers in the study had children who were not in their care. Poor mental health affects both the women themselves, as well as influencing and shaping the lives of their children. The authors say that the 100-women study presents compelling reasons to invest in women’s health and early in their children’s lives.

Media release

From: Pasifika Medical Association Group

The one-hundred women study: characteristics of New Zealand women with severe mental illness

This study highlights that women with severe mental illness (SMI) have a complex array of needs that health professionals should take into consideration at all points of health service access. We highlight women’s health issues, pregnancy, parenting and adverse childhood experiences. Māori and minority ethnic women have barriers in accessing healthcare due to the impact of trauma in forming trusting relationships with mainstream healthcare services. Women with SMI should be acknowledged as a strategic target for integrated, holistic, trauma-informed interventions with potential and significant positive intergenerational impact.

Journal/
conference: NZMJ

Organisation/s: University of Auckland, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland

Funder: Lillian Ng is a grateful recipient of a Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Foundation Catalyst Grant (2024) and a University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Performance Based Review Funding grant (2025). Tanya Wright received funding from Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau to assist with statistical analysis.

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