Mother-of-One Dies After Discharge From Mental Health Services Despite Postpartum Psychosis Struggles, Inquest Hears
London, UK – A mother-of-one who tragically died from a medication overdose was discharged from specialist mental health services despite her family's concerns she was still struggling after postpartum psychosis, an inquest has heard.
Roisin Harron, 41, from South London, had been battling the debilitating illness since the birth of her son in 2017. She was found dead at the London Crystal Palace Travelodge on June 17th, 2024, just over a year after her discharge.
The inquest at South London Coroner's Court in Croydon heard that Roisin, who had a history of depression, began treatment at Bethlem Royal Hospital, Bromley, in 2018 following a week of hypermania—periods of elevated mood and energy levels.
As part of her treatment, Roisin underwent several rounds of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which involves sending an electric current through a patient's brain. Under NHS guidelines, ECT is generally recommended as a short-term treatment, with repeated ECT only advised if a patient has previously responded well to previous ECT.
The inquest heard that it was 'impossible to underestimate the impact psychiatric medication had in Roisin's life', and that Ms. Harron felt 'her brain was in some way irreversibly damaged' following the treatment. Her parents, Margaret McMahon and Henry Harron, told the court that prior to her illness, Roisin had an, "incredibly good memory but during her hospitalisation her memory became quite impaired".
Ms Harron was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood changes. She was prescribed various medications, including antipsychotics and lithium, but the 'trial and error' nature of finding an effective treatment while managing her symptoms proved immensely difficult, causing her significant stress and anxiety, the inquest detailed.
In April 2023, Ms Harron was discharged from the specialist mental health services at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and returned to the care of her GP at Paxton Green Group Practice, London. Her family, however, expressed deep skepticism, stating they did not believe their daughter was well enough to be discharged and manage her illness without the direct support of mental health professionals.
"It was clear that beneath the smiling and friendly face that Roisin presented to the world, there were very difficult struggles going on", her parents told the inquest. "There was still a deep and enduring depression and so many anxieties". They added that she, "put on a brave face, but she clearly missed having regular contacts that she had built up a good relationship with".
The family also highlighted the anxiety caused by issues with supply and distribution from local pharmacies when accessing her medication after discharge, suggesting it played a role in the tragic spiral leading to her death.
In response, Dr. Aneesa Peer, a consultant psychiatrist at the South London and Maudsley Trust, stated that Ms. Harron was considered to be in remission at the time of her discharge. "When patients are dealing well and are stable for at least a year and they are on a good treatment regime they are considered for discharge", she explained. Dr. Peer added that patients can return to specialist services within four weeks under a specific scheme, rather than being added to longer waiting lists.
"She didn't refer herself back after being discharged", Dr. Peer told the inquest. "Roisin was very astute around her medication and would advocate for herself very clearly and concisely. This is not someone who is waiting on support. Patients come back to us all the time. The door is open. I am not sure how we could have intervened".
Mr. Harron, a retired social worker, countered that he felt this attitude towards his daughter's treatment was, "too blasé", and reiterated the, "impossible impact", it had on his daughter's life.
A post-mortem examination, carried out by Dr. Mihir Khan, revealed Ms. Harron had overdosed on a number of prescription drugs, concluding she died of cardiac arrest triggered by the overdose. Assistant Coroner Victoria Webb confirmed the cause of death as suicide, noting Ms. Harron's struggles with postpartum psychosis.
Postpartum Psychosis affects approximately one in 1,000 women annually. It differs from both the common 'baby blues' and postnatal depression. Symptoms typically emerge within the first two weeks, including manic moods, paranoia, confusion, restlessness, and possibly acting out of character. While its exact triggers are largely unknown, treatments can include antidepressants, anti-psychotics, mood stabilisers like lithium, and psychological therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In rare, severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy could be chosen to be used for depression or mania.
Roisin Harron, 41, from South London, had been battling the debilitating illness since the birth of her son in 2017. She was found dead at the London Crystal Palace Travelodge on June 17th, 2024, just over a year after her discharge.
The inquest at South London Coroner's Court in Croydon heard that Roisin, who had a history of depression, began treatment at Bethlem Royal Hospital, Bromley, in 2018 following a week of hypermania—periods of elevated mood and energy levels.
As part of her treatment, Roisin underwent several rounds of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which involves sending an electric current through a patient's brain. Under NHS guidelines, ECT is generally recommended as a short-term treatment, with repeated ECT only advised if a patient has previously responded well to previous ECT.
The inquest heard that it was 'impossible to underestimate the impact psychiatric medication had in Roisin's life', and that Ms. Harron felt 'her brain was in some way irreversibly damaged' following the treatment. Her parents, Margaret McMahon and Henry Harron, told the court that prior to her illness, Roisin had an, "incredibly good memory but during her hospitalisation her memory became quite impaired".
Ms Harron was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood changes. She was prescribed various medications, including antipsychotics and lithium, but the 'trial and error' nature of finding an effective treatment while managing her symptoms proved immensely difficult, causing her significant stress and anxiety, the inquest detailed.
In April 2023, Ms Harron was discharged from the specialist mental health services at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and returned to the care of her GP at Paxton Green Group Practice, London. Her family, however, expressed deep skepticism, stating they did not believe their daughter was well enough to be discharged and manage her illness without the direct support of mental health professionals.
"It was clear that beneath the smiling and friendly face that Roisin presented to the world, there were very difficult struggles going on", her parents told the inquest. "There was still a deep and enduring depression and so many anxieties". They added that she, "put on a brave face, but she clearly missed having regular contacts that she had built up a good relationship with".
The family also highlighted the anxiety caused by issues with supply and distribution from local pharmacies when accessing her medication after discharge, suggesting it played a role in the tragic spiral leading to her death.
In response, Dr. Aneesa Peer, a consultant psychiatrist at the South London and Maudsley Trust, stated that Ms. Harron was considered to be in remission at the time of her discharge. "When patients are dealing well and are stable for at least a year and they are on a good treatment regime they are considered for discharge", she explained. Dr. Peer added that patients can return to specialist services within four weeks under a specific scheme, rather than being added to longer waiting lists.
"She didn't refer herself back after being discharged", Dr. Peer told the inquest. "Roisin was very astute around her medication and would advocate for herself very clearly and concisely. This is not someone who is waiting on support. Patients come back to us all the time. The door is open. I am not sure how we could have intervened".
Mr. Harron, a retired social worker, countered that he felt this attitude towards his daughter's treatment was, "too blasé", and reiterated the, "impossible impact", it had on his daughter's life.
A post-mortem examination, carried out by Dr. Mihir Khan, revealed Ms. Harron had overdosed on a number of prescription drugs, concluding she died of cardiac arrest triggered by the overdose. Assistant Coroner Victoria Webb confirmed the cause of death as suicide, noting Ms. Harron's struggles with postpartum psychosis.
Postpartum Psychosis affects approximately one in 1,000 women annually. It differs from both the common 'baby blues' and postnatal depression. Symptoms typically emerge within the first two weeks, including manic moods, paranoia, confusion, restlessness, and possibly acting out of character. While its exact triggers are largely unknown, treatments can include antidepressants, anti-psychotics, mood stabilisers like lithium, and psychological therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In rare, severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy could be chosen to be used for depression or mania.
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